Graduate School Conference Room

Research Council Minutes

September 26, 2012 - 3:30 P.M.

Graduate School Conference Room

RESEARCH COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:

VISITORS:

Mark McLellan, Chair
Provost Ray Coward
Cliff Skousen
for Douglas Anderson
Jennifer Duncan
for Richard Clement / Noelle Cockett
Jim Dorward
for Beth Foley
Jagath Kaluarachchi
for Scott Hinton
Nancy Huntly
Chris Luecke / Eugene Schupp
for Chris Luecke
Jim MacMahon
Mac McKee
Nick Morrison
for Craig Jessop
Scott Bates, Shelley Lindauer, Kevin Peterson, Teresa Seeholzer and Lorraine Walker

1.  Call to Order, Welcome & Introductions – Mark McLellan

2.  Approval of the Agenda

·  ACTION: Agenda approved.

3.  Approval of Minutes of April 26, 2012

·  ACTION: Minutes approved.

4.  Vice President for Research Report – Mark McLellan

·  TEDx at USU

Presenters have been selected and final details are being coordinated for the inaugural TEDx at USU event on November 7, 2012. Mark relayed that the program will feature diversity, as well as breadth of content. Within the RGS Office, Scott Bates and Anna McEntire have spent a great deal of time in bringing this event together. The TED organization determines the event parameters and restrictions. The live event is limited to 100 seats and will be comprised of students, faculty and invited guests. Two secondary sites on campus will provide limited seating for simulcast viewing. The program will be held in the Caine College of the Arts and additional information will be released in the next few weeks.

·  Awards Summary for FY2012 (Kevin Peterson, Executive Director of SPO)

FY2012 resulted in a 3.9% increase in the total number of awards received, however, award dollars were down by 4.1% as compared to FY2011. In comparing the total number of proposals submitted, there was an increase of 6% from the previous year. Kevin also shared the cumulative totals thus far in FY2013. Awards are down 12.9% ($1,361,005) as compared to FY2012, and proposals submissions are also down 16.5%. The Provost commented that one of the factors impacting the year-to-year comparison is the large award Education received in FY2012 for the “Gear Up” program ($15M). He also noted that it would be helpful to have five-year comparisons in viewing these fluctuations. Mark agreed and commented that data for additional year comparisons will be compiled for future forums and discussion.

·  FY2012 Deans Approved F&A Waivers

Mark shared a handout showing the dean approved college waivers for FY2012. As there are appropriate places where F&A should be waived, Mark noted that the deans are closest to the situations and can make the appropriate decision for their colleges. If the waiver was a State approved amount, or an agency requirement, those waivers were not included in the FY2012 summary. Suggestions were relayed to expand this chart and show the total waiver amount as compared to total proposals submitted by college. Mark asked the group to look over the amounts for their colleges/centers and advise if they see discrepancies from the totals listed on the handout.

·  Annual Equipment Matching Fund

The RGS Office is reviewing ideas about providing an annual pool of funds that would be available to colleges/center as matching funds for equipment. Noelle Cockett asked if this option would impact faculty startup funding. Mark relayed that as long as we “grow the pie” the startup funds would not be impacted. Mark suggested that this pool would begin with a small amount (~ $250K) where the RGS Office would then provide a 1:3 match. Noelle commented that ideas on how to “prioritize this funding should be considered; however, she likes the idea that it would be based on available year end funds. She also relayed that staggering the funds across the fiscal year could be considered, but in general she likes options where she can leverage college funds. Mark asked the Council to think this over and the topic will come back to Research Council for additional discussion in the coming months.

·  Federal Audits

Mark shared a handout of an article titled “Scientists’ Small Errors in Managing Research Grants Can Mean Big Penalties” (Chronicle of Higher Education, September 14, 2012). Mark referenced the importance of following details and assuring quality as grants are managed and administered. He also relayed how this article is a good example of the impact to the institution when a grant is not properly administered. The RGS Office will now host quarterly workshops that will focus on Grant and Research Administration. Notice of these workshops will be sent to deans and department heads for distribution within their colleges.

·  Faculty Grant Writing Workshops

The RGS Office will continue to hold 2 sessions for faculty each year. By 2014, Mark commented that he is considering having these workshops be a prerequisite for access to the RGS Seed Funding grants (RC/SPARC/GEM). He suggested that postdocs also be encouraged to attend the faculty sessions. Nancy Huntly asked if the prerequisite would apply across the board to everyone, even those who are considered “experienced” grant writers. Mark commented that he has seen first hand where very successful grant writers attend this workshop and improve and change their approach with grants. He noted that if faculty has received equivalent training, he would consider that training towards the prerequisite. If more sessions are needed to accommodate faculty, more sessions will be offered. Jim Dorward mentioned that he hopes this prerequisite does not create an impediment in faculty’s interest towards the RGS grants. Nick Morrison suggested looking at those who submitted and were awarded the RC/SPARC/GEM grants and see if they have taken this training. Mark said he would think through the prerequisite requirements and discuss the best approach with Research Council over the next several months.

5.  Old Business: None

6.  Committee of the Whole Discussion

·  Core Facilities

·  Conflicts of Interest (carried over to October 30 meeting)

7.  Reconvene Committee - New Business

·  None

8.  Wrap Up Discussion & Calendar Events – Mark McLellan

Ø October 15, 2013 - D. Wynne Thorne Nominations due to RGS Office

Ø October 26, 2013 – Next USU Sunrise Session – Grand America Hotel, SLC

o  7:30-9:00 AM – Dr. Christine Hailey, College of Engineering

Ø October 30 (Tuesday) – Next Research Council

Ø February 26, 2013 - Next Graduate Student Grant Writing Workshop

Ø April 8-12, 2013 – Research Week

Minutes submitted by: Teresa Seeholzer, Research Council Secretary

Research Council Minutes September 26, 2012 Page 1 of 2