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.