Start Up Funds

Ohio University (OHIO) encourages new faculty to begin their pursuit of extramural funding soon after getting established in their new department. It is realized, however, that laboratory renovations may be required, equipment may need to be purchased and assembled, and supplies need to be purchased before data for a proposal can be collected. To that effect, OHIO's start-up program is intended to aid faculty in getting their research efforts up and running as soon as possible.

TIP: Start-up funds are negotiated between the department chair/school director and a potential new hire before he or she begins employment at Ohio University.

Funds required for initial research startup are typically first negotiated between a department chair and the candidate who has been offered a faculty appointment. The department chair will work with the college dean and the Vice President for Research to develop an appropriate start-up package for the position based upon the research interests of the candidate and the potential for future extramural funding. To be eligible for research start-up funds, however, the faculty member must be appointed into a position in which there is an expectation of competitiveness for extramural funding. Faculty who receive initial research startup funds are expected to secure awards equal to the value of their startup package on an annual basis in no longer than five years from their initial appointment. Once a research start-up amount has been agreed upon, the Office of the Vice President for Research will establish an account in the Oracle Financial Management System. Account spending typically commences July 1 of the given year of appointment, but, should funds be required before that date, the department chair or budget unit manager should contact the Vice President with a request and justification for early funding.

DON'T FORGET: Faculty who receive start-up funds are expected to secure awards annually equal to that pf their start-up package within 5 years of their initial appointment.

Spending Rate
Spending on a start-up account typically starts July 1 of the initial year of appointment and extends through June 30 of the third year of appointment. There are two rules that apply regarding the timing of research start-up expenditures:

1. Capital equipment (items costing more than $2,500) must be obligated by June 30 of the second year of employment.

2. Seventy percent of all research start-up funds must be spent, or obligated in the case of capital equipment, by June 30 of the second-year of employment. Only thirty percent of the original start-up award should remain for expenditure during the third year.

Extensions of Time
There are three situations in which faculty may request an extension of time for spending the research start-up funds:

1. An extension may be granted If renovations of the faculty member's laboratory are incomplete or have caused a delay in research. If this is the case, the Vice President for Research should be informed immediately as to the length of time for the delay.

2. Start-up spending may be extended if the faculty member has obligated a portion of their start-up allocation as cost share on an extramural award. If an award is subsequently made, the pledged amount will be consistent with grant cost share requirements. See the Grant Submission section for additional cost share information.

3. Extended illness or family medical leave requires an extended absence of more than 90 days.

Limitations of Expenditures
Startup cannot be used for faculty salary (including summer), visa fees, attorney fees for visa processing, or for moving charges of personal effects. All other charges must conform to state law and other relevant OHIO policy.

College/Department Requirements
Your college or department may have additional requirements on the award or administration of research start-up funds. Faculty members who have received start-up need to consult their department chair or Associate Dean for Research for other college requirements, if any.

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