Present: Kurt Anderson, Ida Baca (for Harold Matteson), Jeffrey Brandon, Kathleen Brook, Richard Cabe, Mike Coombs, Tom Dormody, O. D. Hadfield, David Hasti, Steve Loring (for Gary Cunningham), Margaret Malamud, Larryl Matthews, David Myers, Marilyn Pase, Tim Pettibone, Nellie Quezada-Aragon, Tracy Sterling, Averett Tombes, Carol Walker, Mike Wolf

Item 1. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the December 1, 1995 were approved.

Dr. Larryl Matthews, Associate Dean of the Engineering Research Center, provided an overview of the research efforts being conducted by the College of Engineering. Dr. Matthew&'s presentation also discussed the College's economic development and student projects.

Sounding Board for Financial Policies
No report at this time.

Principle Investigators Manual
Dr. Brook reported that a short version of the manual will be ready for review at the next meeting.

Unproductive and Duplicative Efforts Among University Departments in Seeking Research Funding
Dr. Coombs reported that the current system -- the internal proposal plan -- was not the most effective means of communication for faculty conducting research. Subcommittee members suggested that the proposal plan be made easier to use, including Internet access, thus allowing prompt dialogue and exchange with the Office of Sponsored Programs. The subcommittee will soon provide a formal report for review by the URC.

Conflict of Interest
The subcommittee referred to Dr. Tombes for his report regarding the conflict of interest policy. (See item #4)

Dr. Tombes distributed draft copies of the "University Policy on Conflicts of Interest Pertaining to Sponsored Programs" and "Disclosure of Significant Financial Interests Related to Sponsored Projects." Dr. Tombes requested suggestions for improvement on the two policies from the URC members. He is especially interested in making the policies as concise and clear as possible. Revisions will be incorporated and a final proposal submitted to the URC prior to the next meeting. Comments and suggestions must be received in his office by February 16, 1996. The policies will be on the agenda for the February meeting.

Item 5. Nominating Committee for 1996-1997

A nominating subcommittee was appointed for the 1996-97 URC term. The committee consists of Dr. Kurt Anderson, Dr. Richard Cabe, and Dr. Carol Walker. The committee is charged with seeking nominees for the positions of Chair-elect (faculty member), faculty representative, and position appointment representative. Volunteers are encouraged. Please contact one of the subcommittee members.

Item 6. Announcements

Dr. Pettibone announced that the policy revisions pertaining to post-docs, including holiday leave benefits, has been approved by central administration. These revisions were initiated by the URC during the 1994-95 term. They will take effect July 1, 1996.

Item 5. Next URC meeting scheduled for February 23, 1996, 3:30 pm, New Library, Associate's Room.

Item 6. Meeting adjourned at 4:25 pm.

Minutes submitted by Laura Maynez, Department of Social Work.