RESEARCH

* For more information, see the Faculty Handbook, Section I.

The Faculty Senate is involved with all questions concerning the improvement of the environment for scholarship and research within the University. Such questions are generally dealt with by the Committee on Faculty Development and the Committee on Academic Policy. The Committee on Faculty Development is charged with all questions concerning the advancement and professional development of faculty. The Committee on Academic Policy is concerned with all questions relating to research procedures.

2. University Council on Research and Scholarship

The University Council on Research and Scholarship serves as an advisory committee to the Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education, the Provost, and the President on research and scholarship matters. The Council deals with broad policy issues such as interdisciplinary research, the smooth operation of research on campus, and procedures by which faculty research and scholarship are encouraged and facilitated. Members are appointed by the President and represent a broad spectrum of persons active in research and scholarship throughout the University. Membership is for three years. The following upper-level administrators hold ex officio membership on the council: a representative of the President, Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education, Director of the Division of Research Management, and two academic deans.

3. The Division of Research Management^*

* Services of the Division of Research Management are available to all University employees authorized to participate in scholarly activities, but certain restrictions apply with respect to who may act as Principal Investigators on behalf of the University.

This Division assists faculty members and certain researchers in obtaining external funding and provides administrative and financial management for sponsored research, scholarship, and training projects. Specific services include: proposal preparation, matching of potential sponsors with those who are making proposals, funding strategies, program development, grant and contract administration, federal and state agency liaison, technology transfer, and technical writing and editing assistance. These services fall within the following functional areas:

a. Proposal Preparation, Marketing, and Strategizing

The Division assists faculty in the development of marketing strategies, the preparation of proposals, and the matching of ideas with potential sponsors. It develops industrial contacts for technology transfer and research support and pursues programmatic initiatives with government agencies and philanthropic foundations.

b. Grant and Contract Administration

The Division conducts contract and grant negotiations and also writes contracts and subcontracts. It ensures compliance with the legal and administrative requirements of the grantor agencies and institutions and provides relevant advice to faculty members.

c. Financial Management

Division staff helps faculty formulate budgets, monitor expenditures, and make spreadsheet projections.

d. University-Wide Coordination

The Division of Research Management serves to coordinate research endeavors within the University and develop new programs commensurate with the University mission.

4. Development Offices

The Offices of Development are responsible for adding to the University's financial resources by obtaining voluntary gift support to sustain and advance the University's objectives. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Development, and with direction from the President of the University and the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees, these offices plan, implement, and oversee programs and activities that create a better understanding of the mission, value, accomplishments, and needs of the University. These programs and activities influence gifts, principally in support of academic programs, endowment, financial aid, new and modernized facilities, research and current operations.

The Offices of Development enlist the aid of University administrators, academic department chairs, and selected faculty in the formation and presentation of proposals. The Offices also maintain contact with members of the governing boards of the University, alumni, friends, parents, business leaders, and foundation officials.

It is University policy that all contacts with or proposals to, potential sources of private financial support must be reviewed and approved by the Offices of Development prior to approaching external funding prospects. This review will help to enhance the effectiveness of solicitations and will avoid inappropriate approaches.

The Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations serves as the chief operating officer and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Office of Development, Alumni and Friends; the Office of Development, Corporations and Foundations; the Annual Giving Program; Alumni Records and Gift Information; the Office of Alumni Relations; and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations for the School of Law.

Increasing awareness of and appreciation for development activity is the responsibility of the Office of Development Communications which reports to the Senior Vice President for Development.

As the University prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1998, plans are underway to conduct the largest and most ambitious capital campaign in the University's history to be designated The Centennial Campaign for Northeastern University. The momentum of the Centennial Campaign, together with the increasing significance of annual support, should continue to benefit Northeastern in coming years as the institution prepares for the next millennium.

5. Research and Scholarship Development Fund ^*

* Established by the President, July, 1979. Research and Scholarship Development Fund grants are available only to Teaching Faculty (2.1-2.4) and to Senior and Principle Research Scientists.

This Fund was established to provide seed money for the stimulation of new research and scholarship ventures. The review of proposals is conducted by three reviewers in the field and an advisory committee of the Research and Scholarship Council which makes its recommendations regarding awards to the Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education. Criteria used in the evaluation of proposals include the quality of the project as judged by peer reviewers, the qualifications of the applicant to conduct the proposed work, and the likelihood that the work will lead to external support. The needs of new faculty members are given special consideration.

Detailed rules and guidelines for the submission of proposals are distributed by the Office of the Provost.

6. Faculty Development Fund

The Faculty Development Fund (FDF) underwrites initiatives in teaching or research not eligible under the other internal grant programs. Support is also available to help faculty shift directions in teaching, research, or administration; gain expertise in new techniques; or pursue an off-campus internship. From time to time, special initiatives will be designated. FDF awards range up to $5,000. Release time will be compensated to the department at the current rate. Applicants must be tenure-track or tenured, full-time faculty, as defined by the Faculty Handbook, or cooperative education coordinators. Guidelines and applications are available in the Office of the Provost.

7. Minority Recruitment and Retention Fund

The Minority Recruitment and Retention Fund provides seed money to stimulate new and continuing ventures in research, teaching, scholarship, and professional development. Projects should result in high quality publications, external support, and increased visibility for the University. The development of new long-range research, completion of existing projects, professional travel, and planning/hosting conferences are all activities eligible for support. The Fund is intended to complement the IDF and RSDF. Research awards provide up to 1/6 of the applicant's 39-week base salary. Other awards typically range up to $5,000. These awards are not sources of on-going or long-term support. While this Fund is primarily directed at Black and Hispanic faculty, members of under-represented racial minorities at the University may also apply. Guidelines and applications are available in the Office of the Provost.

B. Matthews Distinguished Professor Program Fund^*

The Matthews Distinguished Professor Program Fund is designed to recognize, reward, and further the scholarly and creative activities of prominent Northeastern University faculty, while enhancing the reputation of the University in the academic community. Senior full-time faculty are eligible for appointment, which carries a life-long title and provides support funds for two years. Selection criteria are: 1) a previous record of outstanding scholarly and creative accomplishments as specified in the section of the Faculty Handbook dealing with promotions; and 2) a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to academic and non-academic audiences. Proposals submitted by nominees are evaluated by a Review Committee consisting of a member selected by each of the following: Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, and University Council on Research and Scholarship. The Review Committee forwards its recommendation to the Executive Vice Provost and to the President for formal approval. During his/her tenure, the appointee will be in residence at Northeastern and will engage in a specifically designed program of activities which meet the objectives of the Distinguished Professor Program.

C. Committees

1. University Chemical Hygiene Committee

Established in 1990, this Committee studies the acquisition, use, storage, and control of toxic, flammable, explosive, and carcinogenic agents; the adequacy of emergency planning and procedures to combat spills and other releases of these materials; protective measures; and disposal of spent, outdated, or unwanted chemicals in compliance with government standards. The Committee also reviews programs using such materials to ensure adequate protection for all involved. Members are drawn from user departments and appropriate administrative units, as well as from fire safety and environmental health units.

2. Human Subjects Research Review Committee

Established in 1966, this Committee functions as the institutional review board for all subjects, activities, research grants, and teaching protocols which involve in any way the use of human subjects. The Committee is charged with protecting the rights and welfare of all human subjects, and ensuring that such subjects give their informed consent in any contemplated activity.

Members are appointed by the President (complying with all applicable federal regulations) based on recommendations from the Institutional Official for Human Subjects Research; from departments involved with human subject experimentation; and from members of the University administration. Members will include a representative from outside the University, such as a physician, and such other representatives as may be required from time-to-time by federal regulations.

3. Animal Use and Care Committee

Established in 1966, this Committee serves as an advisory body to the President on matters concerning the humane and ethical care of laboratory animals; the adequacy of animal facilities; animal health; and occupational and student health as related to animal diseases. The membership of the Committee represents active research animal users, departments with operational responsibility for animal care, administrative units with responsibilities in animal-related program management and veterinary medical advice. Appointments are made by the Provost in consultation with relevant departments and the University Council on Research and Scholarship.

4. University Radiation Safety Committee

Established in 1978, this Committee's function is to administer the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) broad coverage license and to review radiation use and radiation safety matters on campus. Representatives, appointed by the Director of Environmental Health, are selected from faculty members of departments using radioactive substances. These members must have the training and skills necessary to satisfy the requirements of the NRC.

D. Policy on the Establishment and Periodic Evaluation of Centers

To initiate a Center, the proponents must develop a proposal which addresses the mission of the Center, the initial faculty members who will be associated, and the potential sources of funding. The proposal, including an initial budget and statement of impact on support service (library, computing, etc.), will be submitted to the Provost with comments from each of the deans who will have faculty involved in the Center. Capital fund-raising for a Center shall be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Provost. After the Provost's review, the proposal will be discussed by the Council of Deans and that body will recommend to the Provost that it be approved, returned for revision, or rejected.

The minimal criteria for the establishment of a Center should include:

1) Several faculty with long-term interest in the mission of the proposed Center; 2) the likelihood of continued pursuit of the mission of the Center for a sustained period; 3) a source identified for seed funding for the Center; 4) identification of likely long-term funding sources for the Center; 5) lack of dependence on the University for long-term funding; and 6) a good fit with the priorities of the University.

The Director of a Center will be appointed by the Dean of the College where the Center resides, or by the Vice Provost or Vice President to whom its director reports. The appointment of the Director will be for a fixed renewable term. There will be an Advisory Committee established by the Dean, Vice Provost, or Vice President for each Center in their area. Faculty will be recommended for appointment as Associates of the Center by the Director in consultation with the existing Associates. Tenure will not be awarded in a Center. An Associate's appointment will be approved by the Dean, Vice Provost, or Vice President in whose area the Center resides. The director of the Center will provide information to the dean of a faculty associate's college as part of the tenure or promotion process.

Each Center will have a programmatic review in the last year of the term of the Director. The Review Committee will make recommendations, where warranted, for the improvement of the Center or for a shift in programmatic direction. A Center will cease to exist unless it receives authorization for continuation from the Council of Deans after each programmatic review.

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