To: University Business Managers
From: Roger Patterson, Assoc. Vice Chancellor for Finance
Date: April 23, 2009
Late yesterday we received good news. In cases where we normally move a faculty member from non-state sources over to state sources, we can continue to do so on a prospective basis as long as the total salary amount is in the employment agreement.
Let me give an example. Let’s assume a faculty member’s total salary in their employment agreement is $160,000. If that faculty member’s sponsored research has ended and it is normal practice for us to move that faculty member over to state funds until additional sponsored research funding is available, then we may do so as long as that action does not result in us paying that faculty member more than $160,000 from state funds.
Here’s another example. If a faculty member conducts externally funded research during the regular terms, but conducts departmental funded research (research funded by the department’s state account) in the summer, then it would be okay to move that faculty member over to state funds, as long as that action does not result in us paying that faculty member more than the salary stated in their employment agreement.
We are not allowed to use this simply as a tool for spending down our state balances. These should be actions we normally make. The state may come audit to see if we have a historical pattern to support such actions. Retroactive adjustments back to April 9 are okay.
An email was also sent today to Finance Advisory Council members.