INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Current and former officials from the joint campus run by Indiana and Purdue universities in Fort Wayne say that IPFW could increase its independence without splitting off from its parent schools.

The Journal Gazette reports a legislative study committee heard testimony Tuesday at the Statehouse. Northeastern Indiana legislators have maintained for years that the funding and support IPFW receives from Purdue’s main campus in West Lafayette is inadequate.

Purdue University acting provost Vic Lechtenberg says IPFW benefits from the recognition it receives from its affiliation with the larger schools. Purdue administers the regional campus, with students able to get degrees from both Indiana and Purdue.

IPFW is one of the largest public universities in Indiana, with nearly 14,000 students this year.