Policies & Procedures

About Research Administration at GSU

Policies and Procedures for Research and Sponsored Programs

Policies and Procedures for Research and Sponsored Programs

Principal Investigator Eligibility

Background

Georgia Southern assumes significant financial and legal obligations when a proposal to an external sponsor is submitted, or an award is accepted, to support a project.  While a formal award is made in the name of the University, a sponsor funds a project based in part on the professional expertise of the University’s personnel submitting the proposal.  Under the general oversight and authority of the University, the principal investigator (also project administrator, project director, program administrator, and program director) of a sponsored project is the individual who bears primary responsibility for completion and technical compliance of the proposed scope of work, fiscal stewardship of the sponsor funds, and fulfillment of the administrative requirements of the project.  Thus, the university must ensure that individuals serving in the capacity of principal investigator have appropriate technical competence and administrative capabilities, and have a reasonable long-term commitment to the university.

Procedure

Members of the Corps of Instruction, as defined by Section 302.02 of the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, may serve as Principal Investigators/Project Directors on sponsored programs.   Individuals with certain other titles may serve under special circumstances with the approval of the Associate Vice President for Research, as well as the Dean and Chair of the academic unit.