A65.3: Research Policy Committee

Approved by: Faculty Senate
Effective: April 28, 2020
Responsible Faculty Committee: Research Policy Committee
Office Responsible for Administration: Office of the University Secretary

Applicability

All UNM faculty, including the Health Sciences Center and Branch Community Colleges.

Policy Rationale

The Research Policy Committee (RPC) is one of four (4) committees that comprise the Faculty Senate Research and Creative Works Council, which is charged with oversight of the research and creative endeavors of the University of New Mexico (UNM), both funded and unfunded creative works. The primary role of the RPC shall be to encourage and support research and its funding at UNM, including all its established units.

Policy Statement

The functions of the RPC shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Initiating, formulating, recommending, and reviewing policies regarding sponsored and unsponsored research, and intellectual property.

2. Recommending UNM policy regarding the distribution of overhead and institutional grants.

3. Reviewing with the chief administrative officers for research the research budget of UNM prior to and during its final development, and informing and making recommendations to the Faculty Senate regarding this budget.

4. Recommending policy concerning the use of the Faculty Research Fund and reviewing and making recommendations to the administration through the Faculty Senate regarding the budget of the Faculty Research Fund.

5. Formulating policy regarding the establishment, major modification or termination, and periodic review of research centers, bureaus, institutes, or other related organizations;reviewing and making recommendations to the central administration and the Faculty Senate on proposals regarding these bodies; and participating in the periodic review of these centers.

6. Evaluating, formulating and recommending policy concerning research support services provided by computer facilities, libraries, contract accounting, research administration, and other support organizations; making recommendations to the central administration when the appointment of the chief administrative officers for research is being considered.

7. Making recommendations to the Faculty Senate on matters of grant research, contract research, patent and copyright policy, and policy on commercialization of intellectual property affecting directly or indirectly the faculty and UNM as a whole.

8. Recommending candidates for the Annual Research Lectureship.

9. Meeting with the academic deans formally at least once each year to discuss current problems and exchange information concerning research.

10. Consulting with the chief administrative officers for research regarding implementation of policies.

Membership: Twelve (12) faculty members, appointed by the Faculty Senate in consultation with the Committee Chair, selected primarily from colleges and departments generating sponsored research: including three (3) from the College of Arts and Sciences, two (2) from the College of Education and Human Sciences, two (2) from the School of Engineering, one (1) from the College of Fine Arts, one (1) from the Library, and two (2) from the Health Sciences Center. One (1) graduate student member nominated by the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA). Ex-officio members include the chief administrative officer for research on main campus, the chief administrative officer for research at the Health Sciences Center, and the Director of UNM Rainforest Innovations. The attorney from the University Counsel’s office with primary responsibility for research matters shall attend committee meetings and provide legal advice to the RPC.

The terms of office shall be for three (3) years, set up on a staggered basis so that the terms of at least three (3) members will expire each year. A member may be appointed for a second three-year term. The Chair is elected by the Committee and normally will serve a renewable two-year term. RPC annually elects a Vice-Chair to serve in place of the Chair in their absence. In addition to RPC appointees, subcommittee membership will be augmented with other faculty, administrators, and graduate students as required for specific subcommittee tasks.)

Procedures

The Research Policy Committee (RPC) will schedule regular meetings. The Committee Chair will report Committee recommendations through the Research and Creative Works Council for consideration by the Faculty Senate.

Definitions

No specific definitions are required for the Policy Statement.

Contacts

Direct any questions about this policy to the UNM Office of the University Secretary.

Who should read this policy

• Academic chairs, directors, and deans
• Non-academic managers and directors
• Vice presidents and other executives

Related Documents

Faculty Handbook:

• A51: Faculty Constitution
• A53: Development and Approval of Faculty Policies
• A60: Faculty Senate Bylaws
• A65: Research and Creative Works Council

History

• July 1, 2025 - Policy format updated to align with FHB A53
• February 23, 2022 – Updated to reflect name change of the Science and Technology Corporation @ UNM (STC.UNM) to UNM Rainforest Innovations (UNMRI), per FHB Policy A53 procedures
• April 28, 2020 – Approved by the Faculty Senate