11.02.99.R0.01 Centers and Institutes

Effective: September 1, 1996

Supplements System Policy: System Policies 11.02

1. This document sets forth the procedures concerning the establishment, operation and evaluation of centers and institutes.

    The university is authorized to establish centers and institutes as they pertain to the academic, research, and service mission of the institution. A center or institute is an integral part of the university and has no standing apart from the university. Each unit must conform to The Texas A&M University System policies and Texas A&M University-Commerce regulations and procedures relating to personnel, property and accounts, as well as to state regulations and statutes.

2. Each center and institute must be established with the approval of the dean or other appropriate official, the endorsementof the appropriate vice president, concurrence of the president and upon recommendation by the Chancellor, approval by the A&M System Board of Regents.

3. The general guidelines for determining whether a unit should be titled a center or institute are as follows:

a. A center is a unit which includes research within its total activity, but has a broader function which includes educational and/or service activities.

b. An institute is a unit which has research objectives as its primary thrust.

4. Major criteria for the formation of centers and institutes are:

a. relevance to the university’s academic, service and research mission and

b. potential benefits to be gained by the formation of such a unit.

5. Formal proposals for establishment of a center or an institute should include a completed Request for Establishment of Centers and Institutes (Attachment).

6. The members of each center or institute, wherever appropriate, shall develop internal guidelines or agreements concerning the property developed or used by their unit. These agreements should cover possible questions involving:

a. use of equipment and space.

b. copyrights, patents, royalties, and other intellectual property rights and

c. commissions, consulting and service arrangements based on work developed under the auspices of the center.

7. Centers and institutes must have written operating procedures. These must be agreed to by the present members, the dean(s) of the relevant college(s) and the vice president for academic affairs. The written operating procedures must  include:

a. procedures governing reporting lines.

b. rules and procedures for financial accountability and responsibility of employees, members and directors.

c. procedures to be followed in the appointment and termination of employees, members and directors.

8. All such units must submit an annual report giving an account of research or other activities, including a financial statement.     A copy of the report should be sent to all individuals in the administrative chain.

References: Prior ETSU Policy A-9, August 1, 1994; Procedure A11.01

***************

Request for Establishment of Centers and Institutes*

Complete the following, using additional pages when necessary.

1. Name of Center or Institute ________________________________________________________________

2. Person Responsible____________________________ Title (Director, etc.) __________________________

3. Reports to ______________________________________________________________________________

4. Relevance to the University: academic, service and/or research mission.


5. Goals.


6. Potential benefits to be gained by formation of such a unit.


7. Budget Request:
a. Operating.
b. Personnel (Identify full-time and part-time employees).
c. Funding Source.

8. Description of activities.


9. Evaluation process to determine the success and effectiveness of the unit.

Request initiated by ____________________________________ ____________________
                              Name                                  Title                        Date

Approved _________________________________________ _____________________
                Department                                                                  Date

_________________________________________ _____________________
Dean                                                                           Date

_________________________________________ _____________________
Vice President                                                             Date

*Attach a copy of the Operating Procedures.

Contact for Interpretation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs