From the Director . . .
 
For Fiscal Year 1997, this office set out clear and measurable performance objectives for sponsored programs.  These were exceeded.  In many respects, the office has been in the forefront of objectives-based sponsored program development compared to institutions of similar in size.  We reported to the UNC General Administration 62 grant submissions, and awards of $3,543,591 for the fiscal year.
 
Who gets the credit for sponsored program sustainability and growth at UNCP?  It's a team consisting of a cadre of faculty and professional staff members who write proposals, including department chairs.  The team also includes offices who provide services in the preaward and postaward phase of sponsored programs.  For example, 1) the business office provides postaward administration services, 2) personnel provides human resource assistance, 3) purchasing provides acquisition and delivery services, 4) academic affairs advocates and writes letters of support, 5) Vice-Chancellors who support grants and sign-off on proposals, and 6) the Chancellor's office writes many letters of support for proposals and Federal legislation, and provides effective intervention to sponsors when needed.  Both the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chancellor take time from their business schedules to provide their signature in quick turnaround situations.  The Computer Center gives us capability to access grant announcements and applications on line.  This feature allows longer time for proposal development.
 
Does this team operate effectively and comprehensively?  You can wager your bottom dollar it does--look at the numbers.  Come join the team, there is plenty of room.  We acknowledge our sincere thanks to the team for a highly successful year.

Congress Moves to Increase Literacy Funding
 
The National Institute for Literacy reports (September 17, 1997): "In passing its education spending bill, the House of Representatives today joined the Senate and the President in substantially boosting literacy funding for next year."  The total proposal for Fiscal Year 98 will range from $717.5 million to $762 million.  This is nearly 60% more than the $456.2 million budgeted in FY ‘97.
 
The major programs to be funded include: Even Start Family Literacy, National Evaluation/Technical Assistance, National Institute for Literacy, Prison Literacy, and America Reads/Child & Family literacy. Some of these programs will be funded as block grants to the states.  They provide  opportunities for UNCP faculty to "partner" to provide research, training and specialized services as evaluation.  The Office of Grants will keep you informed of further developments and potential grant opportunities.
 

Tip:  Earth system history represents a U.S. contribution to Past Global Changes, a core project of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme.  NSF encourages collaborative projects, particularly linkage with programs at the international level.

 The following two grant opportunities are possible partnerships.  If interested, please contact Armand Opitz, ext. 6604; opitz@nat.