Crystal Owen, Chiu Choi, Rama Rao (Chair), Ronnie King,
Jacqueline Batey, Christine Weber, Robb M. Waltner (secretary)

Imeh D. Ebong, Asst. VP for Research

Meeting was called to order at 12:15 p.m.

Waltner submitted a revised copy of the proposed resolution for Faculty Association regarding support of the library regarding online research databases. The text was accepted without revision. Rama will present the resolution at the next Executive Committee.

1) Infrastructure. Provide support for all sponsored projects; assist faculty with making proposals and administering and maintaining accounts.

2) Be an advocate for research and advise university administration. The role of research will grow with the university’s mission. Ebong advises the provost and president on faculty research needs.

Ebong said that item#1 (Infrastructure) is the most difficult. He realizes that faculty are not accountants. An office of Sponsored Research is required on campus to receive certain grants.

King asked if research was “valued” on campus. Ebong said he is trying to make it more valued. He will advocate. For example, in the current merit pay structure, research accounts for only 30% of the total score. Ebong would like to see research count for more. He noted that, without research, it would hard to tell a university from a community college.

1) Ebong said he would like to see more release time provided for people doing research as well as for the before and after portions of grant-seeking.

2) He thinks we need to support those who do research already. In this fashion, research “centers” tend to naturally emerge on campus.

3) Ebong said that he is creating a research fund to recognize for those engaging in research. The fund is being created by taking a small percentage of Facility/Administration (F/A) funds. Ebong felt that he must require adequate follow-through from those who have received funding to write a proposal.

Owens asked if “teaching” a certain subject was looked upon in the same way as the subject itself. Ebong said the faculty in each department will decide that.

King commented on the problem with writing proposals, putting forth the work and the time, and then not receiving any reward unless the proposal is successful. This creates a dilemma for faculty. Ebong said this is why he feels there must be some rewards.

Ebong said that he found the administrators closest to Academic Affairs very positive and supportive with regard to enhancing the role of research on campus. He also stressed the importance of the “paper.” This is referring to the importance of publishing results after receiving a grant and collecting data, etc. Ebong also mentioned the existence of “Career awards”—these types of awards cover a five-year period. Success in receiving a grant like this requires follow-through. Since publication is required, grants like this can also greatly increase a faculty member’s chances of receiving promotion and tenure. For new faculty, Ebong has given a seminar on research proposals. And he wants to “connect” faculty members who are doing research with one another.

Choi asked about working with local companies. Ebong said this is type of thing he can help with such as by contacting business incubators and working toward “technology transfer” opportunities.

Ebong finished by saying that his primary role is to support the research of the faculty. Dawn Boatman, the Director of Sponsored Research, reports to him and is focusing on post-awards right now. Ebong also suggested that the Faculty Association consider creating a Research Advisory Group to advise him.

Rama Rao was unanimously elected as chair for the upcoming year.

Summer meetings are tentatively planned for May 18, June 15, July 20, and August 17.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.