Memorandum
| To: | Deans, Directors, and Department Heads |
|---|---|
| From: |
W. Randolph Woodson |
| Subject: | Pilot Projects and Executive Committees to Improve Research Infrastructure |
| Date: | November 6, 2024 |
Based on the findings and recommendations that resulted from the Research Administration and Support Services initiative, my leadership team and I have selected nine pilot projects to proceed with. Thanks to the work done by our three RASS task forces — Sponsored Programs, led by Alan Porch and Jacob Jones; Research Implementation, led by Amy Grunden and Ginger Burks Draughon; and Culture, Collaboration and Communications, led by Chris Mayhorn and Ursula Hairston — we’re positioned to put NC State on track to build and maintain the infrastructure, workforce, and institutional culture and operational procedures needed to keep pace with our ever-growing research enterprise.
Recognizing the importance of fostering healthy growth and sustainable support, I have also created an executive committee of top university leaders, including Alyson Wilson, interim vice chancellor for research and innovation, Charlie Maimone, executive vice chancellor of finance and administration, and Marc Hoit, vice chancellor for information technology, to directly oversee this effort and ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement by developing key performance measures.
As a part of this overall initiative, permanent evaluation tools to gather ongoing feedback from key constituencies will also be put in place.
The selected pilot projects include:
- Developing a unified sponsored research proposal submission timelines
Lead: Sherrie Settle, ORI; RSC Executive Committee; Research Operations Council - Creating consistent research administration positions and career paths
Lead: Tim Danielson, UHR; Sherrie Settle, ORI - Improving data sharing
Lead: Ron Reed OIT; Ryan Bernarduci, UHR - Strategically Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for University Operations
Lead: Marc Hoit, OIT; Representative for the chosen area (once selected) - Establishing a Career Progression Model for Postdoctoral Scholars
Lead: Tim Danielson, UHR - Reviewing Third Party Lodging Approval Process
Lead: Fran Lawrence, University Controller’s Office - Developing a consensus definition of a “culture of support”
Lead: Genevieve Garland, ORI - Implementing Research-Related Policy Review and Comment Period for Campus
Lead: Kathryn Bogle, OGC; Genevieve Garland, ORI - Organizing meetings of ORI faculty and staff research advisory committees
Lead: Laura Kroeger, ORI
Please watch for reports and messages from the subcommittees on status and improvements.