Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the proposal process at WCSU? 

To initiate the proposal review/approval process, use the Internal Administrative Approval Form to obtain the necessary approvals to submit you external grant application or proposal.  Administrators that will need to review and sign-off on your external grant application include your department chair, the dean of your school or division, the Provost, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Controller.  If your proposal involves the hiring of personnel or staff, you also will need the approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. You can access the form here.  Please submit the completed form with your proposal narrative and budget at least 7 days prior to the proposal submission deadline to allow sufficient time for the internal review and approval process. .

If your project involves research with human subjects or with vertebrate animals, you will need to get the approval of WCSU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IRB form and instructions are available online at: https://www.wcsu.edu/irb/. The IACUC form is available online at: https://wcsu.edu/faculty-handbook/

The internal review and approval of external grant applications is very important since WCSU may refuse an award for a proposal submitted without administrative approvals.

2. Where can I find basic facts about the University?

WestConn Facts & Figures

3. What is the University’s indirect cost rate (F&A rate)?

For grant applications that allow indirect costs, please consult with Peter Rosa, Controller & Director of Fiscal Affairs, via email at rosap@wcsu.edu or by phone: 203.837.8376..

4. What is the University’s Indirect Cost Distribution Policy?

Indirect reimbursements from grant awards are distributed as follows:

• Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director receives 25% of indirect costs;
• PI’s/Project Director’s Department receives 10% of indirect costs;
• PI’s/Project Director’s School or Division receives 5% of indirect costs;
• Office of Sponsored Research Administrative Services receives 20% of indirect costs; and
• University’s General Reserve receives 40% of indirect costs.

5. How can I be successful at securing grants?

• The single most important advice: follow the application guidelines! State your objectives clearly, demonstrate a compelling need for the proposed research or activity, offer evidence of your ability to complete the project successfully, and leverage previous grants, if possible.
• Use a program planning or logic model to develop your project or concept. A program planning model developed by Nonprofits Works and Evaluation Enterprise is available online at /grants/program-planning-form/.
• Don’t wait until the 11^th hour of the last day to submit your proposal, especially if it has to be submitted electronically!