The most suitable organizational model for a specific research center or institute depends on the size of the unit and its location within the university. Research centers/institutes located within one department, school or college will report to the appropriate dean. Research centers/institutes that cross-cut schools and colleges report to either a Principle Dean or the Vice Provost for Research. This section presents some examples of typical organizational structures and their components as they might be implemented at UWM. Each UWM center or institute will develop its own structure as appropriate for meeting its needs.
1. Examples of Organizational Structures
Research centers and institutes generally include both an internal group (Internal Advisory Committee) that works with the Director on a regular basis, and an external group (External Advisory Committee) that provides advice from both a broader segment of campus and external stakeholders and experts. Research centers and institutes supported by external center awards usually include an External Advisory Board that evaluates the unit as part of the grant activity. That type of board is not included in the following examples for the sake of simplicity.
Single College Center/Institute
In the case where a center/institute is contained within a single college or department, the Director reports to the relevant dean, as shown in the example below.
Multi-College Center/Institute – Principal Dean Model
This example applies to research centers and institutes with activities largely centered in a single college, but with essential collaborations with and contributions from other colleges and units. Generally the Principle Dean will be the Dean of the college in which the activities of the research center/institute are largely contained. In this structure, the External Advisory Committee should include deans from other participating schools and colleges or their designees.
Multi-College Research Center/Institute – Vice Provost for Research Model
This example applies to research centers/institutes with activities distributed over several colleges, or focused on the use of a particular facility with users from multiple colleges and schools. The organization is similar to that of a multi-college research center/institute except that the Vice Provost for Research replaces the Principle Dean, to ensure a broad perspective regarding campus interests.
Other structures
Other organizational structures may be appropriate for research centers or institutes that cross campus boundaries and involve collaboration with other UW campuses, external institutions or agencies. Although the same general principles should be applied in these cases, examples are not presented due to the complex nature of such entities.
2. Appointment of Research Center and Institute Directors
Center Director
The Dean will determine the appropriate means of appointing a Research Center Director. The Dean may name an interim Director as part of the research center approval process. The terms and conditions of appointment require approval of the Dean.
Institute Director
The Provost will determine the appropriate means of appointing the Institute Director. The Provost may name an interim director as part of the research institute approval process. The terms and conditions of appointment require approval of the Provost.
3. Research Center and Institute personnel and components
Director
The executive officer responsible for the intellectual and administrative leadership of the research center/institute.
- Appointed by the Dean (or, in the case of research institutes, by the Provost) in consultation with the Internal Advisory Committee.
- Reports to the Dean.
- Responsible for management and operations of the research center/institute, including budget, strategic planning, programs, personnel, and facilities; manages the resources of the research center/institute.
- Recommends individual and joint appointments to the research center/institute, in consultation with the management of relevant units.
- Required, together with the Dean, to provide regular reports of the research center/institute’s activities to the VPR and any advisory committees.
- Responsible for reports required by external agencies or sponsors.
Dean
The Dean has supervisory responsibility for the research center or institute and its activities. If a research center or institute cross-cuts multiple schools/colleges, the Principal Dean (PD) or Vice Provost for Research (VPR) serves as the supervisory dean.
- Appoints research center/institute Director in consultation with Internal Advisory Committee and the Provost.
- Acts in the interest of all the units participating in center/institute activities
- Conveys relevant campus-wide issues to the Director
- Periodically provides progress reports and reviews to the External Advisory Committee and to the Provost.
Internal Advisory Committee
The Internal Advisory Committee advises and supports the Director in efficient and effective management of the research center/institute.
- Required for research centers and institutes, unless otherwise approved by the Dean.
- Committee members are appointed by the Director in consultation with the appropriate Deans, should primarily be selected from participating faculty and staff and should represent the programmatic and operational divisions within the research center/institute.
- Chaired by the research center/institute Director.
- Responsible for reviewing all major policy, fiscal, operational and other matters.
- Approves research center/institute membership for researchers not affiliated with the charter unit(s).
External Advisory Committee
The External Advisory Committee is responsible for the advising the Dean and the Director on the overall strategic direction, management, and policies of the research center/institute. An External Advisory Committee is required for research centers and institutes that span multiple schools and/or colleges, unless otherwise approved by the Provost.
- Membership is determined by the Provost in consultation with the Dean and Director. It may include UWM members, such as non-principal deans, and members external to UWM such as other industrial or academic research partners.
- Chaired by the Dean or his/her designee
- Periodically reviews the research center/institute planning and advises the Dean and Provost.
- Periodically reviews the financing and development of the research center/institute and ensures that the interests of all participating units are fairly represented.
- Reviews research center/institute Director performance prior to possible reappointment.
- Advises on the composition and charge of the External Advisory Committee.
Other Advisory Committees and Boards
- May be constituted as deemed necessary by the Director or as required by external agencies or sponsors.
- Formed in consultation with the Principal Dean and the Internal Advisory Committee.