The Faculty Council on Research (FCR) is one of 12 standing councils of the Faculty Senate. Its primary role is to recommend and monitor University policies related to 91自拍. Our primary objective is to improve the quality of life for faculty and staff engaged in 91自拍 at the UW.
Members of the FCR represent faculty from diverse departments across campus, with ex officio members from the Office of Research, Purchasing, professional staff, retired faculty, GPSS, and ASUW.
As part of its objective to improve the quality of life of 91自拍ers at the UW, this academic year the FCR has focused on 91自拍 funding in a time of budget deficits, as well as technologies to assist with grant and contract applications and grants management.
The council has consistently supported the use of Indirect Cost Recovery funds (ICR) from externally funded grants and contracts to strengthen the 91自拍 infrastructure of the UW, including funding to improve the efficiency of Grant & Contract Services, Grant & Contract Accounting, and the Human Subjects Office.
Many improvements have already been implemented with ICR and University Initiatives funding, including increased staffing and greater use of Web-based systems for grant & contract management, documentation and communication among 91自拍ers.
An area of growing concern for the FCR is the potential impact of pending state budget cuts on 91自拍 productivity at the UW. Although the amount of state funds are used to support 91自拍 is minimal, the necessary infrastructure to conduct 91自拍, such as labs and equipment, requires some state support. Funding cuts will have a negative impact on maintaining existing facilities, and will certainly prevent efforts to improve or update these facilities.
In the coming year, the FCR will continue to work toward better services and facilities for UW 91自拍ers. As it moves toward becoming a University Council on Research, with broader representation from both faculty and administration, this Council will continue its efforts to improve the quality of life of UW 91自拍ers.
This is one of a series of columns detailing the work of the Faculty Senate鈥檚 councils. H. Asuman Kiyak is the chair of the Faculty Council on Research.