ANNUAL REPORT
to the Faculty Senate for fiscal year 2016
Prepared by Mark R. McLellan,
Vice President for Research
and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies
Executive Summary
It has been five years since USU’s Research Office merged with the School of Graduate Studies. Over that time, we’ve worked to develop strategies and programs that capitalize on the strengths of both sides of our mission.
In fiscal year 2015-2016, we’ve continued that effort, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of recently implemented initiatives.
RGS training programs have continued to grow in popularity and success; both our monthly workshop series (Training for Research Faculty and Graduate Training Series) grew in scope and attendance this year. Interest in our DC trip for new faculty to visit federal funding agencies also increased. We’ve continued to implement ideas and initiatives to streamline our processes and relieve effort from campus faculty and staff. Recruit by Ellucian has simplified the graduate student application process, and Kuali Research will make the grant proposal process a one-stop effort.
The future holds opportunities and challenges for RGS: fluctuations in F&A funding and proposal submissions will put pressure on the RGS budget for the next few years. Additionally, the transformation of Technology Transfer to an RGS division will require significant effort to build up as a key service for faculty and students on campus.