Cayuse SP for Approvers

The Department Chair (or equivalent unit head) is responsible for the operational and personnel-level review of the proposal.

By approving a proposal, the Chair confirms that:

• The project is appropriate for the department/unit and supports its academic and research mission.
• The Principal Investigator (PI) and key personnel have the expertise, time, and capacity to carry out the project.
• Effort commitments are accurate and feasible given current and anticipated workload.
• Departmental resources (space, equipment, administrative support) required for the project are available or have been planned.
• Any departmental cost-sharing or commitments are identified, approved, and sustainable.
• Compliance considerations (e.g., human subjects, animal use, safety, export controls) have been identified as applicable.
• The proposal budget is reasonable and consistent with departmental expectations.

 The Dean serves as the primary academic and strategic reviewer at the college/school level and is responsible for ensuring that proposals align with unit priorities and resources.

By approving a proposal, the Dean confirms that:

• The proposal aligns with the college/school’s strategic goals, mission, and academic priorities.
• The proposed project is academically appropriate and supports the unit’s research, teaching, or service objectives.
• Adequate space, facilities, and infrastructure are available (or planned) to support the project.
• Faculty/staff effort commitments are reasonable, appropriate, and compatible with existing workload obligations.
• Any cost-sharing, matching funds, or resource commitments from the college are identified, approved, and available.
• Risks (financial, compliance, reputational) have been reasonably assessed and are acceptable.
• The proposal does not create unapproved long-term obligations for the college.

The Vice Provost/Provost provides high-level institutional oversight for strategic alignment and risk.

By approving a proposal, the Vice Provost/Provost confirms that:

• The proposal aligns with institutional priorities, strategic initiatives, and long-term goals.
• The project is appropriate in scope, scale, and visibility for the institution.
• Any significant institutional commitments (financial, space, personnel, or reputational) are justified and approved.
• The proposal complies with institutional policies and does not create unapproved precedent or obligations.
• Risks to the institution (financial, legal, reputational, or compliance-related) have been considered and are acceptable.
• The institution is prepared to support the project at the required level if awarded.

The CFO (or designee) provides institutional financial oversight to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance.

By approving a proposal, the CFO confirms that:

• The budget is accurate, complete, and compliant with institutional and sponsor financial policies.
• Cost-sharing, matching funds, and institutional commitments are identified, approved, and financially viable.
• The proposal does not expose the institution to undue financial risk.
• Indirect costs (F&A) are applied correctly or that any deviations are documented and approved.
• Salary, fringe, and other cost calculations are appropriate and based on current rates.
• The institution has the financial capacity to manage the award if funded.
• Any long-term financial obligations (e.g., staffing, maintenance, equipment) have been reviewed and approved.