2.5. Independent Centers or Institutes

Independent centers and institutes in several ways enhance scholarship and interdisciplinary research at the university. Research conducted by faculty or staff facilitates new areas of inquiry and community service. Students and community citizens are offered training that extends beyond traditional programs of study.
 
While the establishment and continuance of centers and institutes bring the university many benefits, it also exposes the university to potential dangers that might result in potential harm or liability. An example of abuse of the center privilege might be an explicit or implicit assertion of a particular opinion, endorsement, or criticism expressed by a center faculty or staff member to represent an official position of the university. To ensure that the benefits of centers or institutes are not impaired, the following definitions and guidelines are established.
 
 
2.5.1. Definition. The term “center” or “institute” at NMHU may be used to describe a research focus or programs within a single department, between multiple departments, or as a separate unit reporting directly to the office of research and sponsored projects. Centers or institutes are directed by the university and may offer courses or programs that are not cross listed with regular academic departments or offered under continuing education at the university. However, these centers do not admit students or confer degrees.
 
This definition does not apply to internal facilities such as departmental service centers; student organizations that operate under separate policies governing student organizations; or personal activities carried on by faculty or staff outside their professional responsibilities at the university.
 
Centers may operate within or outside NMHU premises, but must have an apparent association with the university, make substantial use of university resources,  demonstrate substantial involvement from faculty and/or staff members,and report regularly to ORSP on the progress of the Center activities.
 
2.5.2. Procedures for Creating New Centers and Institutes. Faculty members proposing to initiate a new center or institute must first notify their appropriate dean and submit a memorandum describing the purpose of the center with the following information and according to the following criteria:
 

• consistency with university mission; 
• focused research that establishes a unique or nationally recognized agenda; 
• justification for the center or institute outside the existing university arrangement;
• its relevance to the school/college and university;
• the extent of faculty and student involvement;
• impact (positive and negative) on faculty and staff;
• financial support;
• resources required to support the center or institute including funding, space, and personnel;
• extent that the establishment of the center or institute will help to attract external support; 
• role of outside individuals, use of benefits and resources, and their likely contribution to the university; and
• administrative costs to the school/college and university. 

If approved by the school dean, the request will then be submitted to the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects and a review team for final approval. The office appoints a review team that may consist of research committee members. The team will be responsible for providing a recommendation to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
 
2.5.3. Regular Evaluations. Each center or institute will be evaluated by the appropriate school dean every year to ascertain whether the circumstances that led to its creation still exist and whether the organization continues to meet its goals and the goals of the university. The review will help determine:

• academic vitality of the organization;
• commitment of the faculty to the program;
• involvement of students, faculty, and visiting scholars;
• availability of funding and other resources; and
• adherence to the policies and procedures described in the policy handbook. 

2.5.4. Problems During the Operation. Centers or institutes are required to follow all policies and procedures described in the policy handbook. If problems occur during the operation of a center, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs has the authority to review the center, consult with the center faculty and impart appropriate actions, including the closing of the organization if warranted. At the discretion of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, an ad hoc faculty committee may be involved in the review process. Where appropriate procedures for misconduct related to research may be followed (see Section 11: Research Misconduct). Decisions made after the review may be appealed to the President of NMHU whose decision shall be final.

For comments or questions Contact ORSP

Back to Research Handbook