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Centers are typically organized to conduct research or provide a specific educational or public service, usually focused on a specific interdisciplinary theme or topic. They may involve faculty from one or more departments and divisions, but also may include individuals from within the same department or division of the University. ºÚÁÏÉçÇø has two types of centers. Research Centers are specifically focused on research, while Service/Consultation Centers are usually focused on providing an academic or public service, such as faculty development, program evaluation/assessment, connecting with community stakeholders, or tutoring. 

Institutes share the Center’s focus on research, provision of opportunity for interdisciplinary activity, involvement in continuing education activities, value in facilitating efforts to obtain extramural funding, advancement of diversity and equity principles, and service as a link between the academic and professional communities. An institute, however, is a more formalized structure and may be equivalent to an autonomous unit within the internal structure of the college or university such as a department or division. However, it can also be housed within a division (but not a department).  It may, unlike a “Center,” be involved in the offering of credit-bearing courses and may offer degree programs and formal credentials. An Institute may also include a number of centers or laboratories within it, and may also be involved in community outreach or clinical services.