Format of Letter Requesting Authorization to Plan a Center/Institute
Format of Letter Requesting Authorization to Plan a Center/Institute
This format is given as a guide for college and/or school deans in drafting the text of the letter that the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development sends to the BOT formally requesting that a CI be given Authorization to Plan.
The letter should contain a general statement about why a new CI is being created. This should include comments about new entity relationship to the mission of NC STATE or UNC, its importance to the nation or the state, and the events leading up to proposing its formation (such as a foundation grant, major federal program funding, etc)
Goals and Objectives
List the goals and objectives of the proposed CI and whether it is being proposed as a research or a public service center (e.g., if its primary function is research, even if it includes educational or public service functions, then it would be a research center).
Organization
Write a clear statement about the organizational structure within NC STATE, including which college(s) and/or school will have administrative oversight and the makeup and functions of all proposed advisory committees or boards. Also include the name of the proposed Director and a short summary of his/her qualifications.
Need for the CI
Include a strong and clear statement about the need for the CI, how it will affect the instructional programs at NC STATE, and the specific provisions for advanced and graduate training.
Similar Units
Include a statement about similar units at NC STATE, UNC, or existing CIs and why the goals and objectives of the proposed entity cannot be achieved within those existing structures. If there are similar, but not conflicting units, include a statement about the relationship of the proposed CI to those units.
Financial Support
Give detailed accounting of expected sources and amounts of funds necessary for support of the unit, should it be established. Commitments for funding for at least five (5) years
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should be identified, and needs to be fairly certain (by contrast, the funding requirements to establish a CI must be very certain). This should include the identification of required matching or cost sharing funds.
Space and Capital Equipment Requirements
Provide statements detailing the requirements for space and capital equipment, if any. This provision, nearly as much as the funding support requirements, is weighted heavily in the decision to request authority to plan the proposed unit.
Support and mentoring plans regarding the promotion and tenure of participating junior faculty.
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