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Role of University Research Services (URS)

University Research Services (URS) is responsible for fund raising from federal government agencies, state and local
government agencies, corporate foundations and philanthropic foundations. Funds are raised from these
sources primarily in response to grant proposals. There are two categories of grant proposals: those that
seek funds for specialized purposes including individual grants, project grants, research grants and fellowships
and those that address institutional priorities of the University. Any faculty or administrator who needs assistance
on pre-award or post-award activity should meet with the Director, Dr. Betsey C. Corby.

Grants serve many purposes. First, they provide needed additional resources. Grant funds or funding buy time,
materials, equipment, and other professional necessities which may not be obtainable through the department's
budget. Second, grants provide access to people and places, creating links to resources and collaborative
projects not otherwise available. Third, receiving a grant is an honor and brings to its recipient the interest and
respect of colleagues and potential future funders. A grant also increases professional visibility. Finally, the
very issues addressed when writing a proposal can help to clarify current professional priorities and long-term
career goals for faculty and staff. Therefore, in contemporary academic life grant proposal writing is an
increasingly critical faculty activity. The URS staff will:

· Assist faculty and administrators in identifying funding sources;

· Review and approve on behalf of the University all grant and contract proposals to outside funding
agencies;

· Assist the Project Director in proposal preparations including obtaining all forms, editing the narrative,
writing the budget and budget justification, securing final signatures, and assuming responsibility for
delivery;

· Review, interpret and implement University policies related to grants and contracts;

· Negotiate and prepare subcontracts from University awards to other institutions and organizations;

· Negotiate grant and contract awards for the University with funding agencies.

Comments and questions about this page can be directed to the Grants Office.