Resources needed for research centers and institutes typically fall into three major categories: staff, funding and space. A research center/institute proposal should address these needs in sufficient detail to demonstrate how the unit will be sustained over time.
1. Research center/institute staff
Research centers and institutes may include budgeted positions for full- or part-time faculty and staff members in research, administrative, or support roles. The Dean must approve all employment contracts and funding proposals that involve faculty or staff transferred into or hired by a research center or institute.
Faculty and staff paid through other units also may be associated with a research center or institute as part of their research activities. They may be named and listed as part of the organization’s operational research team. Faculty members whose appointments are outside of the center or institute require permission from the appropriate dean to accept an administrative role that impacts their other existing commitments. Supervision of personnel on a research project or designation as a “research section leader” does not constitute an administrative role within the context of this document.
2. Funding
Funding for research centers and institutes generally come from four sources: base budget, direct grant/contract support, gifts, and allocations from indirect costs. Each source should be clearly identified in the budget.
Indirect cost allocations will be in accordance with UWM policy unless specifically agreed in writing. Deans have authority to allocate that portion of ICs allocated to a School/College or Department. Where multiple Deans are involved, a sign-off is required by all Deans, not only the Principal Dean. PIs may allocate their proportion of ICs as they see fit within normal operational guidelines. The Vice-Provost for Research and/or the Provost must approve transfer of any ICs allocated to the University administration.
3. Space
Proposals should indicate the initial space assigned to the research center or institute.