Level III Entities
This procedure is specific to Level III Entities. If you are unsure if you are a Level III Entity, please refer to the Research Entities homepage.
Procedure for Level III Entities
- Normally called an “institute;” reports to VPRED.
- Activity crosses two or more disciplinary categories (e.g., natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, applied professions).
- Draws resources from multiple internal units, external agencies and institutions.
- Tenured faculty director reports to and is supported by VPRED.
- ORED-administered resources support the entity’s activities and its director.
- Have identifiable space that serves as the focal point for the entity’s activities.
- On awards submitted through the entity and that directly support its vision and mission, F&A funds distribution is at least equivalent to that of colleges. These funds further the entity’s mission and provide return to the PIs and supporting units.
Phase 1:
Short white paper (five pages or fewer, double-spaced, 12-point type, half-inch margins) that includes: a) introduction and background; b) purpose and/or core focus; c) goals; d) key contributors; and e) justification for proposed entity level (I, II or III).
» Send to: vpresearch@uidaho.edu
Phase 1:
- Review by a) deans, b) VPRED and Provost/EVP.
- Invitation (or not) to submit Phase 2 application.
Phase 2:
Entity plan, not to exceed 20 pages that addresses strategic, operational and business-oriented topics and includes:
- Clear five-year vision and mission statements that provide focus for the scholarly activity and a linkage to the university strategic plan
- Strategies for achieving the mission and vision
- Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis
- Leadership and management approaches describing how the entity will engage faculty, students, external collaborators and other organizations to ensure quality scholarship
- Key performance measures and targets
- Sustainability plan that addresses staffing, space and other resource needs as well as projections of the funding and sources to support these needs
- Organization and function of an advisory committee
- Sunset provisions
Phase 2 Review: a) relevant deans, b) possible external review, c) VPRED, Provost/EVP & vice presidents (as appropriate).
Entity Approval: President upon recommendation of VPRED & Provost/EVP. Documented in an approval letter from VPRED.
NOTE: In proposing a new Level III entity, a University Budget and Finance Committee (UBFC) proposal (or equivalent) may be required if resources are needed for the entity’s successful and sustainable operation. If required, a UBFC proposal (or equivalent) should be developed in collaboration with the VPRED.
Conducted by ORED at least once every five years and documented in either a renewal or sunset notification.
Entity plan, not to exceed 15 pages that includes:
- Revised five-year vision and mission statements that provide focus for the scholarly activity and a linkage to the university strategic plan
- Strategies for achieving the mission and vision
- Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis
- Key performance measures and targets
- Sustainability plan that addresses staffing, space, and other resource needs as well as projections of the funding and sources to support these needs
- Sunset provisions
- Copies of the three most recent annual reports as appendices
Plan requirements may by modified and individualized to include entity-specific information requested by VPRED.
Periodic Review: a) relevant deans, b) possible external review, c) VPRED, Provost/EVP and vice presidents (as appropriate).
Approval: VPRED with concurrence of Provost/EVP. Documented in an approval letter from VPRED.
- Appointed by VPRED & Provost/EVP
- Internal advisory committee: deans of colleges from which faculty members are drawn plus other members as needed. The VPRED appoints the committee chair.
- External advisory committee: consists of members with expertise relevant to the entity’s mission; provides feedback on entity’s scholarly activity; assists in identifying and securing external funding.
Annual report summarizing activities, accomplishments, and progress relative to performance measures and targets, provided to VPRED with electronic copy to ORED.
Levels I, II and III Entities follow the same review criteria. For a list, see Research Entity Review Criteria.
For definitions of terms used in this process, see the Definitions Page.