Faculties' needs and ideas are communicated to the agencies that sponsor these activities by proposals, so Sponsored Operations' mission is to help prepare the most competitive proposal for the most appropriate sponsoring agency.

Sponsored Operations is involved in all phases of the proposal and award process.  There are three phases:
 

• THE PREPOSPOSAL PHASE
• THE SUBMISSION PHASE
• THE POST-AWARD PHASE

• Help focus you agenda into a realistic and  manageable "project" with a reasonable chance for external funding
• Examine your credentials and experience to both help find a fit with funding agencies and identify activities you may want to pursue before seeking external funding
• Aggressively search for appropriate funding opportunities
• Identify possible collaborators and/or consultants whose involvement may strengthen your proposal
• Help establish a realistic time line for proposal writing and submission

1. What problem am I addressing?
2. Why is it a problem?
3. Is anyone else currently researching the problem?
4. Why are current efforts inadequate?
5. What are some suggested alternatives?
6. What are the implications of these proposed alternatives?
7. What is different about these proposed alternatives?
8. What is the purpose of the proposed project?
9. Does the project meet the needs of the target agency?

• Help frame answers to the above questions
• Facilitate communication between the investigator and the funding agency
• Monitor compliance with both the funding agency and university
• Help construct a realistic budget
• Provide editorial and design assistance

Although conduct of the funded project and complying with relevant statutes is ultimately the responsibility of the principal investigator/project director, Sponsored Operations will continue to play a role.  We will:

• Work with you to develop a calendar of financial and program reports
• Notify you in advance of their due date
• When necessary, assist in adapting projects to unforeseen changes and constraints
• Assist in preparing revised and continuation budgets and applications
• Assist in publicizing your success
• Maintain a master file of all project related correspondence
• Assist with grant closure when your project is completed
• Immediately start facilitating planning of how future work can be built upon your present success

The whole gamut of research, instructional and service activities can be enhanced by external funding.  For the individual, external funding can minimally:

• Contribute to professional growth and recognition
• Satisfy intellectual curiosity
• Improve salary and promotion prospects
• Provide funding for graduate and undergraduate assistants
• Enhance the status of your department and university
• Provide equipment and facilities applicable to further projects
• Form a network of clients and colleagues outside the university
• Allow you to share the excitement of discovery with you students