Academic Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Regulation 10.015 requires formal evaluation of University centers and institutes on a seven‐year cycle.

Who performs the evaluation?

The Dean or Unit Vice President is responsible for verifying and approving all evaluations of C/Is
assigned to his/her college. The Dean or Unit Vice President may assign an internal evaluator to
conduct the evaluation. This is typically not the C/I Director.

What is the focus of the evaluation?

• Evaluations should focus on the mission and stated objectives of the C/I.
• The C/I should demonstrate how it adds value to the University that cannot be provided at the college, department, or division level.
• The C/I should demonstrate its return on investment for all funding sources.

What are the minimum components of an evaluation?

• A determination of the center’s or institute’s progress against defined goals and objectives within the context of the center’s or institute’s mission, the participating university’s mission,
  and the current Board of Governors’ strategic plan.
• An assessment of the return on investment of state dollars, if applicable.
• The need for continuation of the center or institute.
• Possible changes in mission or organizational structure.
• Budget reduction or expansion.
• Recommendations for change of classification (state of Florida center or institute, or university center or institute), if applicable.
• Recommendations for status change (active, inactive, terminated), if applicable.

What is the target audience for evaluation reports?

Report PDFs will be available for C/I to retrieve for their use. Copies of all evaluation/review information shall be submitted to the Board of Governors’ office. This includes the report PDF.
Summary statements are included in summary reporting to the Board of Governors.

What time period does the evaluation cover?

The time period for formal, cyclical evaluation is since the last formal, cyclical evaluation submitted to the Board of Governors. This may be different from the most recent college/unit evaluation. If this is the first evaluation of a C/I, the time period is since Center or Institute
inception.

What are some suggested items the evaluator may consider?

Items are not limited to the list below. Individual C/I applicability will vary.

• Funded/proposed training grants in area of focus
• Funded/proposed program project grants in area of focus
• Investment of C/I funds in generating pilot data for grants
• Promoting and funding seminars with C/I funds (not customary department seminars)
• Promoting and funding major conferences in area of focus
• Funding graduate students from C/I funds
• Funding travel for students from C/I funds
• Provide core lab support for research of members
• Mentoring junior faculty
• Fundraising accomplishments
• Public programs and results of those programs
• Exchanges, agreements or planning trips initiated
• Newsletter, website, or other public information source
• International or national recognition received other than grants

Last updated: 2023 evaluation cycle