Once the decision to discontinue a research center or institute is approved (per SAAP 01-01), the Director in consultation with the Dean(s) shall develop a Discontinuance Plan for the unit. This plan will require the formal approval of the Dean(s) for centers, and the Provost (or his/her delegate) for institutes.
Normally the research center/institute will cease operations immediately and the Director may not submit or enter into any contracts in the name of the research center/institute. Transfer of faculty and staff may take up to one year but generally should be implemented as quickly as possible. All teaching and administrative obligations must be met during this period.
The plan will outline:
- Data archiving and storage provisions
- Publications completion
- Transfer of equipment and space allocated to the research center/institute
- Formal notification of cessation internally and externally
- Transfer of faculty and staff
- Closure of accounts
- Disposition of animals, if appropriate
- Removal and disposal of hazardous materials
- Transfer or terminations of contracts
- Budget for discontinuance.
- Any other matters material to the operation of the research center/institute.
On completion of the Discontinuance Plan, the Director is required to obtain certification of completion of all obligations under the plan by the Dean or Provost. Until this is obtained the Director continues to have responsibility for the organization.