Research Advisory Council

MISSION

The Research Advisory Council (RAC) serves in an advisory capacity to the Division of Research and Engagement. The primary purpose of RAC is to promote a positive research culture and develop strategies and infrastructure to support successful research and creative endeavors.

Members of RAC bring both unique (as agents of individual units) and common (as members of the greater research/creative community) perspectives to RAC. RAC members provide insight into research-related policies, practices, and procedures for expanding research opportunities and activities at the University.

Members of RAC work collaboratively with other groups such as the Faculty Senate Research Policies Committee to address issues that impact the research enterprise.

DUTIES

The Research Advisory Council strives to meet its purpose via multiple avenues, including:

• Recommending and promoting structures, policies, and procedures that enhance and expand research capacity
• Proposing solutions to alleviate identified barriers to research
• Advocating for policies and procedures that foster, support, and reward research and creative activity
• Collaborating with others involved in the research/creative enterprise to meet the research needs of faculty, staff, and students
• Providing and/or advocating for new or additional support mechanisms when the research needs of faculty, staff, and students are unmet
• Sharing resources, information, and best practices for research/creative activity
• Initiating and developing infrastructure and mechanisms for sustainable interdisciplinary and collaborative research/creative endeavors
• Acting as conduits of information and collaboration between and among campus units, centers, institutes, divisions, and the greater community.

CURRENT MEMBERS

RAC is composed of academic unit Associate Deans for Research, representatives from the Graduate School, the Honors College, University Libraries and selected university research institutes/centers.

Division of Research & Engagement