As we review our schedules and think about choices and opportunities, I would like to encourage you to take time to imagine the possibilities related to externally funded projects. These opportunities range from research, applied research and technology transfer to model projects, training programs, direct service projects, equipment acquisition, and professional travel.
In the CSU, professors undertake this variety of activities, including research, in addition to teaching—without the resources available to research universities. Externally funded projects, through grants and contracts, fellowships, or in other forms, can provide resources to help you maintain or expand your professional development, your teaching, and your scholarship.
The Office of Sponsored Programs, located in Kendall 114 can provides support services to help you prepare and submit proposals for funding. We are acutely aware of the many demands on your time. Our approach is to do everything we can to make the proposal development process simpler for you. Though we cannot write your scientific content or methodological approach, we can do much of proposal development work for you, including
• taking your area of interest and match it with funding sources
• securing guidelines and application forms
• providing liaison with funding agencies, personnel, and specific programs
• providing institutional "boilerplate," qualifications statements, and data support (e.g., census, regional descriptors, project experience)
• assisting in writing/editing your proposals
• developing your budget
• completing all forms and other administrative requirements
• developing contracts for your projects
• negotiating final awards
We are here to help, to encourage and support faculty, staff and the academic community in obtaining external funds. Each year, the level of faculty activity increases in our area. Please come and see us. Our telephone is x5700. Also, please visit our Web Site at http://www.csuchico.edu/gs/sponsproj.html.