Roles and Responsibilities
Principal Investigator (PI)
An individual judged by the University to have the appropriate level of authority, expertise and responsibility to direct a sponsored project or program. There may be multiple individuals serving as co-PIs who share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the project, intellectually and logistically. To determine who is eligible to be a PI, please see the University’s PI Qualification Chart. Some individuals who are not automatically eligible may be uniquely capable of submitting a research proposal and conducting research. In these instances, individuals may request PI status for each individual application through the University Research Board in accordance with the Guidelines for PI Approval.
Departmental Administrator (DA)
The main administrative person in a respective department, center, or institute responsible for assisting the PI in the development of a proposal. The DA works in concert with the PI on the proposal sections relating to budget development, special approvals, etc.
Department Chair
The supervising entity for the proposing unit. This individual has the overall responsibility for the programmatic and fiscal direction of their department, center, or institute. In terms of proposal development, this position is responsible for approval of the proposal on the department, center, or institute level. The actual title of this individual may vary.
Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA)
Reviews, advises, provides institutional endorsement, and submits electronic system sponsor proposals for the PI.
