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MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

ACADEMIC OPERATING POLICY AND PROCEDURE

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Academic Operating Policy and Procedure (AOP) is to promote an understanding among the holders of this manual regarding the procedures of the establishment of centers or institutes at Mississippi State University.

REVIEW

This Academic Operating Policy and Procedure (AOP) will be reviewed every four years (or whenever circumstances require an earlier review) by the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs (APAA) with recommendations for revision presented to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

The establishment of an academic center or institute at Mississippi State University must be approved by the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning. However, a formal proposal must be made and approved by the provost, who will in turn seek approval from the President, before the proposal is submitted to the Board. The objectives of the proposed center/institute must be consistent with the mission and goals of Mississippi State University in the areas of teaching, research, and service. Therefore, the following procedures are recommended:

1. A written proposal must be submitted for approval. The proposal must contain the typical elements of a proposal including the intended source of funding and a detailed budget.
2. As an academic unit, the center or institute must reflect the areas of teaching, research, and service.
3. The proposed center or institute must have the Dean’s approval of the hosting college/school where the center or institute will be located.
4. The day-to-day operation of the proposed center should be the responsibility of an administrative officer with the title of a director or coordinator.
5. The director or coordinator of the proposed center or institute should report directly to the Dean.
6. A change in focus, function or source of funding for the center or institute should receive prior approval from the Provost, the President and the Board.
7. Faculty members who share common interests may join forces to establish a center or institute.
8. The center or institute will be evaluated periodically by the Dean and the report submitted to the Office of the Provost. One purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether the goals of the center or institute are still consistent with the mission of the University.
9. A center has broader functions than an institute. A center’s activities include education and service; however, a research thrust can also be included as part of the overall function of a center. The primary objective of an institute is research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

AOP 13.16
12/01/06

For information about this policy, contact the responsible/reviewing department hyperlinked above.