6,517: Creation of New Research or Outreach Units
Last Revised: February 2014
The procedures below govern the creation of all new research and outreach units. This includes the creation of any center, institute, bureau, program or other organizational unit involving research and/or outreach and NOT involving teaching programs awarding credits to students. See section for creation of new academic units involving teaching programs.
Regulations regarding the creation of a new organization are specified in the Board of Regents Handbook, Title 4, Chapter 14, Section 7. A NSHE New Organizational Unit Proposal Form is available from the or on the University Forms Page. The form requires information on the proposed unit including mission and goals, participants and collaborators, location and structure, and resources needed. Supporting documentation and letters may be provided as well.
The full proposal should outline the plans for success of the proposed unit. All proposals for new research and outreach units need first to be approved by the appropriate college or colleges, and then should be forwarded by the dean(s) to the Provost’s Office.
The Provost’s Office will forward proposals to the Faculty Senate for review and recommendation. The creation of new organizational units may come under the jurisdiction of the UNR By-Laws (Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 3) regarding changes in university organization. In accordance with Faculty Senate policy, completed proposals must be submitted to the Faculty Senate at least two full working months before consideration by the NSHE Academic Affairs Council.
Additionally, review and recommendations from the Graduate Council, Academic Leadership Council and/or other committees may be sought at the discretion of the Executive Vice President & Provost.
After receiving final recommendations, the President will determine whether or not to approve the final proposal and forward it to the NSHE Academic Affairs Council and the Board of Regents for approval.
Upon notification of approval by the Board of Regents, the Provost’s Office will send a confirming memo to the department, with copies to the appropriate offices.