At CSM a "Center" or an "Institute" is established to concentrate or focus collective expertise from within a department and/or amongst departments. This can be a very effective way of conducting research, stimulating a cross-fertilization of ideas, and last but not least, demonstrating the presence of a critical mass to potential funding agencies. Larger, more comprehensive projects may be attracted and conducted as opposed to working alone. There are several types of "Centers". In their early developmental stages, Centers will be defining their basic scope of work and seeking funding. Some Centers will not make it beyond this stage. As Centers become established and have a solid support base, they will be expected to seek designation as a university cost Center. [This document identifies general guidelines. It is anticipated circumstances may arise which will necessitate that the establishment of a specific Center may follow a different path. Modifications to these guidelines may be made with the approval of the Dean of Research.]

To establish a CSM research unit as either a Center or an Institute, the steps outlined below should be taken. The Research Council recognizes that potential research development advertising advantages may be obtained by having research groups with specific designations. However, the Council also recognizes that maintaining "paper" Centers, i.e. designated research units which do not function as Centers, creates a problem of credibility for the institution and the existing functional Centers.

Groups planning to advertise and promote a designated Center should complete the following:

1. Submit in writing to the Dean of Research the suggested Center name, a scope of the Center activities, and identification of the primary contact person for the Center. Obtain the Dean's approval.
2. Prepare and submit to the Dean of Research an annual report (by June 30 and on a form to be provided). The purpose of this report (which will be submitted annually by all Centers) is to illustrate, through a brief summary of activities, that use of the Center designation is still viable. If there are no activities for the Center the Dean will request the Center participants to justify why the name of the Center should not be removed from the list of active research units.
3. After an appropriate period of time, the Center should establish the necessary operating procedures and submit a formal request to be identified as a cost Center.
4. If the Center is unsuccessful in step 3, the Center should consider resubmitting the cost Center request within a reasonable period of time (approximately 2 years).
5. If the unit continues to fail to be identified as a cost Center, then the unit will be asked to justify in writing to the Dean of Research why the name should not be removed from the list of active research Centers.