Procedure for Establishment of a Center within an ORU

To establish a Center within an Organized Research Unit (ORU), the faculty members concerned should submit a brief proposal stating the proposed unit’s goals and objectives. The proposal should describe the value and capabilities that will be added by the new unit. It should make clear how the Center might foster new intellectual collaborations, stimulate new sources of funding, and/or further innovative and original research. The proposal should also contain the following information:

• Mission statement

• Proposed director(s)

• Financial support required for the Center, if any. Note: Most Centers within ORUs usually receive no sustaining financial support, but they may wish to secure start-up funds from a variety of other sources.Names and home departments of faculty members who will participate in the unit's activities. Include letters of agreement from major participants.

• Names and home departments of faculty members who will participate in the unit's activities. Include letters of agreement from major participants.

• Statement about how the space needs for the Center have been, or will be, met.



• Statement about anticipated benefits of the proposed unit to academic programs of the University including graduate education and training (if any)

The proposal is first submitted to the ORU Director for endorsement. The ORU Director’s endorsement implies the commitment of administrative support and space, if needed, to the unit. The Director’s statement of support for establishment of the Center should include a plan for timely review. The plan should contain benchmarks and metrics for the evaluative review that will result in a recommendation for continuation or disestablishment.

The proposal is then submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Research who shall seek the counsel and advice of the appropriate Provost and/or Deans and department chairs, and divisional Academic Senate committees, usually the Council on Planning and Budget and the Council on Research and Instructional Resources. The Vice Chancellor for Research retains final authority in establishing the Center.

Updated March 1, 2006