Daniel Nugent

The committee reviewed the 3rd Quarter Financial Report, highlighting trends in effective IDC rates, accounts receivables, and project portfolio growth. The proposed general operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year was presented and recommended for approval by the Board of Directors. Furthermore, the committee discussed the status of various federally funded programs, including the Talent Search program, the Children's Center (CCAMPIS) funding, and the TERAS project, while assessing organizational capacity to manage reinstated projects and new awards.

The meeting included the seating of new board members and updates to the committee membership for the current academic year. A principal investigator provided an overview of their active research portfolio, leading to a discussion on institutional barriers regarding purchasing and data security. The board reviewed the Incentives Committee report and approved funding for various faculty projects. Additionally, the finance committee presented the second quarter financial report, noting trends in indirect cost revenue and proposal metrics, while discussing concerns over shifts in the federal funding landscape. The board also addressed potential revisions to eligibility criteria for research and creative projects and received an update on the pilot administrative support program for principal investigators.

The committee discussed and reviewed submitted faculty incentive proposals for the upcoming academic year. They finalized selections for 10 faculty members to receive assigned time and summer salary awards totaling $70,736. Additionally, the committee reviewed the program's ROI metrics, current funding challenges, and the developmental impact of the incentives pipeline on research capacity. No changes were recommended regarding program eligibility for Research Associates.

The board meeting included the seating of a new Graduate Student Director and a presentation by Dr. Pedro Peloso on his work documenting threatened amphibian and reptile species. The board reviewed the annual report of indirect cost recovery expenditures for fiscal year 24/25 and accepted the finance committee report, which highlighted the first quarter financial status and pre-award metrics. Additionally, members discussed potential federal funding impacts from upcoming Office of Management and Budget guidance regarding indirect cost allocation and provided an update on a pilot administrative support pool program for principal investigators.

The committee reviewed the second quarter financial report, noting an increase in indirect cost revenue and accounts receivable, as well as the status of the current active project portfolio. Pre-award metrics were presented, highlighting new proposal submissions and received awards. Discussions included trends in faculty grant applications, strategies for sustaining proposal growth, and factors influencing indirect cost recovery. Additionally, the committee addressed recent adverse award actions, potential federal impacts on indirect cost rates, the transition of specific grants between departments, and institutional preparations for new national funding initiatives. Short-term budget stability and future budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year were also noted for further review.