Establishment of a Center or Institute

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As per UA Board of Regents policy R10.02.04, centers or institutes cannot be proposed for establishment without UA Presidential approval and Board of Regents approval. When proposing a center in a sponsored project, these policies and regulations must be followed.

University centers or institutes may be created or eliminated on approval by the University of Alaska President and Board of Regents. The Chancellor will appoint a director responsible for the center's or institute's administration and determine the administrative structure within which the director reports.

A center or institute is created for the promotion of advanced study, research, economic or business development and/or instruction in specified fields. A center or institute may be to provide the framework for effective management of, and productivity resulting from, its activities. A center or institute might also be formed to focus public attention on a mission of the University of Alaska. Generally, a center or institute will serve to coordinate the participation of several academic disciplines or programs in a unified endeavor. While centers and institutes may have varied missions, they may not offer degree programs.

A. The formation of a center or institute will require, prior to approval by the Board of Regents, consideration by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, and, if significant renovation or acquisition of new space is to occur, the Finance, Facilities, and Land Management Committee. A proposal to form a center or institute may be initiated at any level of university structure, but will be formally proposed to the Board of Regents by the appropriate Chancellor with the approval of the President. The proposal must address the issues presented in the accompanying University Regulation.

B. Although each center or institute will be the responsibility of one Chancellor, faculty from more than one MAU may be affiliated with a center or institute, following agreement between the appropriate Chancellors as to the type of affiliation and other contractual obligations.

This policy has a corresponding University Regulation.

(09-23-85, revised 08-18-87, revised 02-16-96)

UNIVERSITY REGULATION R10.02.04

Guidelines for presentations to the Board of Regents for its approval of proposals for the establishment of centers and institutes are as follows.

A. Justification

1. advantages of separation from existing established university programs in terms of management or focus of activity;
2. advantages for applications for grants and contracts;
3. advantages of close association of faculty, other professional employees and students; and
4. advantages of dedicating space to the projects and programs of the center or institute.

B. Financial Feasibility

A budget must be presented showing proposed sources of funds for operation. Anticipated expenditures must also be outlined including those for salaries, equipment, space, and any other support functions. The anticipated effect of closure or retrenchment should also be addressed, particularly if support is expected to come from grants and contracts. Budget presentation must be as explicit as necessary to provide evidence of careful planning.

C. Management Procedures

Plans outlining the following must be presented:

1. reporting system within the center or institute, as well as from the center or institute to the appropriate major academic unit;
2. eligibility considerations for faculty and other professionals to be affiliated with the center or institute;
3. management and control of funds; and
4. management of physical plant and equipment.

D. Executive Summary

An executive summary of approximately one page must accompany the proposal.

(09-23-85, revised 02-16-96)

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