Policies & Compliance
- Research Conduct
- Combatting Human Trafficking
- Federal Disclosure Requirements
- Research Handbook
- 1. Roles & Responsibilities
- 2. Standards for Conduct of Research
- 3. Overview of Sponsored Projects Administration
- 4. Funding Sources & Opportunities
- 5. Proposal Development
- 6. Budget Development
- 7. Procedures for the Submission of Proposals
- 8. Award Acceptance
- 9. Award Management
- 10. Research Related Regulations, Policies & Procedures
- 11. Other Conduct of Research Issues
- 12. Acronyms & Definitions
- 13. Glossary
- Procedure Library
- Regulations Library
Roles & Responsibilities
1.1 Office of the Vice-President for Research
The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) provides leadership and administrative support for research, scholarship, and creative activity across the University. This support includes responsibility for:
- Extramural and intramural funding for research and scholarship. Externally sponsored research is a major component of the University's academic enterprise, and the VPR oversees all internal funding programs as well.
- Compliance with federal mandates and guidelines related to support of research programs.
- Infrastructure and administrative services necessary to conduct and support research and scholarly activities.
Units reporting to the VPR are responsible for:
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- Assisting faculty in identifying and securing funding for research, training and scholarly work;
- Supporting faculty in proposal development and all aspects of pre-award processing;
- Ensuring that all research applications, awards and activities comply with University policies;
- Managing approved cost-sharing commitments on grants and contracts; and
- Ensuring institutional compliance with federal research regulations.
Institutional Oversight Authority
Acting on behalf of the University, the Vice President for Research holds institutional authority for oversight of sponsored projects, including the ability to:
- Determine eligibility criteria for individuals to serve as Principal Investigator(s) on sponsored projects;
- Evaluate whether the scope of work for proposals and awards aligns with the University's mission and goals;
- Accept, decline, maintain, or terminate sponsored projects on behalf of the University; and
- Establish additional oversight measures required to meet regulatory, institutional, or award-specific obligations.
If the VPR determines that modifying a PI assignment or declining, suspending, or terminating a proposal or award is in the best interest of the University, the VPR will seek guidance from the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity (AVPRI) and the Office of General Counsel.
The AVPRI may convene an ad-hoc committee of at least three faculty members to review the matter. The committee will assess the impacts of the proposed action - on both the University and affected faculty/staff - compared to the impacts of taking no action or pursing alternatives. The committee will then provide its recommendation to the VPR.
Review and Appeal
Faculty who are directly or adversely affected by a VPR decision to modify a PI role or to decline, suspend, or terminate a proposal or award may request review by the appropriate Senior Vice President, who will issue a recommendation.
Faculty also retain the right to appeal under the University's established grievance processes, including the Senate Consolidated Hearing Committee as an Academic Grievance or through other avenues allowed under Policy 6-0111.
- Senate Consolidated Hearing Committee: http://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-011.php
- Academic Grievance Procedures: http://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-308.php
