Creation of Institutes and Centers Procedure (DRAFT)

Purpose:

This procedure delineates responsibilities and actions required for ceremonial burning and smudging.

Procedure:

1. Initiation of Proposal
2. 1. Units proposing a new Institute or Center should prepare a proposal that includes:
      1. Clear mission, goals, and expected outcomes;
      2. Alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities;
      3. Organizational structure and governance;
      4. Resource needs, including funding, space, faculty/staff time, and equipment;
      5. External engagement strategy (if applicable);
      6. Assessment and sustainability plan.
   2. Proposals should be developed with input from participating academic units, faculty, and relevant stakeholders.
3. Review and Approval
   1. Center Proposals
      1. Submit to the home College Dean or appropriate Vice President (depending on the nature of the center) for initial review.
      2. Following Dean or Vice President approval, forward to the Office of the Provost for university-level review.
      3. Provost reviews the proposal determining if the proposed center furthers the mission of the University, contributes something new to the University’s portfolio, is economically feasible, has adequate faculty, student, or program support, and does not duplicate work already in place.
      4. After initial approval by Provost, the proposal is shared with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee for further consideration.
      5. Once a recommendation is made by Faculty Senate, the center proposal is forwarded to the President’s Cabinet for final internal review.
      6. If approved, the Provost issues formal recognition.
   2. Institute Proposals
      1. Submit to the home College Dean and Dean of each participating college (if interdisciplinary).
      2. Following college-level reviews, the proposal is submitted to the Provost.
      3. Provost evaluates strategic alignment, resource implications, duplication of existing units, and mission impact.
      4. After initial approval by Provost, the proposal is shared with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee for further consideration.
      5. Once a recommendation is made by Faculty Senate, the institute proposal is forwarded to the President’s Cabinet for final internal review.
      6. If approved, the Provost issues formal recognition.
   3. All approved Institutes and Centers are added to the University’s official inventory and publicly listed on the University website.
4. Implementation
   Once approved:
   1. A Director must be selected through a hiring process or appointment by the Provost or President and given appropriate reporting responsibilities.
   2. Institutes and Centers must operate within University policies and comply with all applicable regulations.
5. Reporting and Review
   1. Annual Reporting
      Directors must submit an annual report to the respective Dean or Vice President (depending the nature of the center) and the Office of the Provost summarizing activities, fiscal status, progress toward goals, and planned initiatives.
   2. Periodic Review
      Institutes and Centers shall undergo a periodic review every three to five years to assess continued relevance, performance, and alignment with University priorities.
      The Provost may request modifications or recommend sunsetting based on the review outcomes.
6. Discontinuation
   Institutes and Centers may be discontinued by the Provost after review and consultation with affected units if they no longer meet their mission, lack sustainable resources, or duplicate existing efforts.

Addendum: Existing Institutes and Centers

1. Centers Affiliated with Academic Colleges
   1. Center for Student Success (COE)
   2. Children’s Center (COE)
   3. Climbing Center (COE)
   4. Civic Center (COLA)
   5. Composite Materials Technology Center (COSE)
   6. Laird Norton Center for Art & Design (COLA)
   7. Large River Studies Center (COSE)
   8. Outdoor Education & Recreation Center (COE)
   9. Software Testing Center (COSE)
   10. Statistical Consulting Center (COSE)
   11. Strauss Center for Sales Excellence (COB)
   12. Writing Center (COLA)
2. Centers Not Affiliated with Academic Colleges
   1. Integrated Wellness Center (Student Life)
   2. KEAP Center (Student Life)
   3. OASIS Advocacy Center (Student Life)
   4. Warrior Success Center (Enrollment Management)
   5. WSU Retiree Center (Advancement)

History:

Adoption date:
Implementation date: