To establish the maximum and minimum levels of effort on sponsored projects.
Policy
At no time should the level of effort charged to a sponsored project exceed the level
of effort expended within that project, meaning work that is not part of the sponsored
project plan (i.e., research on a different project, proposal writing, etc.) cannot
be charged to the grant. The scope of work on sponsored projects is defined by the
proposal. However, all WSU faculty and staff have responsibilities that fall outside
of the sponsored project (i.e. teaching, service, administration, proposal writing,
etc.). As such, no individual can commit more than 95% effort in any period to external
grants and contracts. Faculty holding academic year appointments should consider the
impact of other non-research activities, such as vacations, when committing and charging
effort to sponsored projects during the summer semester as these activities may prevent
devotion of 100% effort.
The Principal Investigator (PI) and other senior level participants must commit at
least 1% effort, or the minimum mandated by the project sponsor, for overseeing and
guiding the proposed work. The effort may be expended during the academic year and/or
summer semester. This requirement is only applicable for research grants and does
not apply for infrastructure/equipment grants, conference grants, or limited purpose
awards.
Approval from the Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer is required when
personnel with other university responsibilities commit effort to sponsored projects
that go outside the bounds established above.
