ORSP's Mission

Our Mission

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) serves as the University's central administrative unit responsible for securing external resources through grants and contracts and providing financial and contractual stewardship of awards. ORSP provides dynamic and proactive services to cultivate and maximize external resources for relevant research, scholarly and creative pursuits. ORSP provides guidance and support to the university community in an environment that fosters the creative process and the enrichment of students and teaching, while ensuring protection of the university's financial, contractual, and regulatory obligations as well as accountability to external funding sources.

Our Purpose

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is designated as both the advocate and the administrative oversight office for all externally funded contracts and grants related to the research, training, and public service activities within the University of North Florida. ORSP provides pre-award advice and assistance, award negotiations, post-award administration, accounting services, and financial administration for faculty interested in grants and contracts. Through the programs which it administers, ORSP contributes to professional development of faculty, enhances the educational experiences of students and facilitates the addressing of critical concerns of the community and region.

Our Objectives

• Ensure University community understanding and knowledge of ORSP services and how external funding can assist them in achieving individual and institutional goals.

• Ensure ORSP knowledge of University programs and faculty interest which can benefit from use of external contract and grant funding.

• Provide effective management of ORSP trust funds to assure required cash flow, meet statutory and legal requirements, and enhance future development of research and training activities at UNF.

• Provide services which facilitate and expand access to external funding by the University and enhance our success in acquiring such resources.

• Ensure that the terms and conditions of grants and contracts are met and that productive working relations are maintained with sponsoring agencies.

• Provide timely and highly accurate fund management and accounting services for contract and grant funds.

• Support and assist faculty and staff to carry out effectively the activities supported by grants and contracts, within the complex milieu of sponsor rules and requirements and university, state and federal regulations.

• Ensure continued growth in the capacity of ORSP staff and other University personnel to work effectively to achieve our mission through use of grant and contract resources.

• Contribute to ensuring a University environment which is supportive of research and scholarship and service to the larger community.

Our Values

In the conduct of its daily activities, ORSP incorporates:

• A learning approach to ensure effectiveness within a dynamic working environment;

• A commitment to excellence and professionalism in its delivery of services; and

• Assurance of integrity in carrying out its responsibilities, all within a supportive and collaborative working environment