For these smaller, unit-specific proposals, awards will be limited to roughly a third of the amount contributed to the UIF pool by that unit. These unit-specific proposals can be submitted at any time. Thus, proposals may focus on institutional themes, interdisciplinary collaborations, or more discipline-specific programs, but must be consistent with department and unit goals. UIF-2 will thus provide a suite of options. This new broad-spectrum approach should provide greater flexibility, so that all units have a chance to achieve their strategic goals regardless of size or collaborative opportunities.
Flexibility is one of the key elements.
As before, the Provost can retain up to 20 percent of the fund for unique opportunities that might arise between the proposal submission rounds. If there is an insufficient number of high quality proposals submitted, the Provost is encouraged to fund only the most meritorious, to retain the unallocated funds for future strategic opportunities, or for other purposes consistent with the UIF guidelines. Funding for academic and administrative proposals would be limited to the respective revenue contributed by each of the two categories of units. Collaborative projects that join academic and administrative forces are encouraged. In any event, a criterion for the larger-scale administrative proposals shall be the enhancement of the support services for academic programs.