Requisites for an Effective University Grants Development Operation. AIR Forum 1979 Paper.

The conditions under which the effectiveness of a university grants operation is potentially maximized are described. The following topics are addressed: the attitudes to be adopted by university administrators in grants operations, the functions of the institutional grants office, and the qualities needed in a campus coordinator of research. The university must make a commitment to its efforts to become involved in the grants business, and administrative personnel must consider grants operations a top priority. The grants office should function as a facilitator, as an assistance and coordination mechanism, for faculty and staff in grant development and administration. To do this, the grants office must develop an adequate information system, a regular dissemination plan, and a system for matching faculty competencies and research interest areas with available grant programs. The grants office can also provide liaison functions with regard to local community agencies, other institutions which might become involved in joint projects, and granting agencies. The coordinator of research should be an individual who has administrative and organizational skills, political savvy, excellent communication skills, and innovative ability. A list of publications and periodicals providing information on grants programs is appended. (SW)