Purpose
Centers and institutes at the University of Montana are established and periodically reviewed in accordance with UM Policy 310: Establishment and Periodic Review of Academic Institutes, Bureaus, Centers, Stations, Labs, and Other Similar Entities.
The careful creation and review of centers and institutes ensures that UM's research and outreach entities remain aligned with the University's mission and priorities, contribute meaningfully to academic programs, and demonstrate productive use of university resources. All centers and institutes report to a sector executive (for example the Provost or the Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship). Reviews occur every five years after the unit is established and culminate in a recommendation from the Provost or the Vice President of Research and a final decision by the President.
Center review examines whether a center or institute:
- Clearly defines its mission and aligns with the University's strategic priorities;
- Demonstrates productivity in research, outreach, teaching, or service; and
- Has sufficient personnel, funding, and infrastructure to sustain its work.
Creating a New Center or Institute
A new center or institute requires approval from both the Faculty Senate and the Board of Regents. Please review the Curriculum Approval Handbook and the Curriculum webpage for instructions.
Centers and Institutes Defined
The Montana University System distinguishes between two types of single or multidisciplinary entities:
Research Center
A unit organized to conduct research around a specific theme or topic. Centers typically have a narrower scope, are often located within a department or college, and may be limited in duration by the scope of a particular project or funding commitment.
Research Institute
A unit with greater organizational stability, program autonomy, and a broader program of study. Institutes typically draw funding from multiple sources, maintain dedicated administrative staff, and have demonstrated long-term sustainability.
For full definitions, see Appendix B of the OCHE Academic Affairs Handbook.
Reviewing Established Centers and Institutes
Center and institute review is a collaborative, multi-stage process through which centers demonstrate their ongoing value, productivity, and alignment with the University's mission. The process spans one full academic year and involves the center director, the responsible sector executive, an external reviewer, Faculty Senate, and the President.
Process
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Centers scheduled for review are notified by the Office of the Provost in spring prior to the academic year in which their review will take place. The notice outlines key deadlines and directs directors to the resources available on this page.
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The center director prepares a comprehensive self-study covering the center's purpose, activities, productivity, personnel, budget, and alignment with university priorities. Directors also submit a ranked list of five external reviewer candidates.
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The sector executive or their designee selects an external reviewer in consultation with the center director. The reviewer evaluates the center's self-study, conducts remote interviews with the director, relevant deans, and other stakeholders, and submits a written report to the Office of the Provost. The center provides the reviewer with an honorarium of $250 upon receipt of the report.
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The sector executive makes the final recommendation to continue or discontinue the unit. Any recommendation to discontinue moves to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, who will review the self-study and external reviewer's report and make their own recommendation to the President. The President reviews all recommendations to continue or discontinue the unit and issues a final decision. The Office of the Provost communicates the outcome to the center director. If continued, the center's activities proceed for five years until the next scheduled review.
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Center review spans one full academic year:
- Spring Semester: Notice of review sent to centers
- September 1: Reminder letter sent to centers
- September 15: Centers submit ranked list of five external reviewer candidates
- October 15: Center review report (self-study) due to sector executive
- November 1: Reports distributed to deans (if applicable) and external reviewer
- October – December: External review conducted
- December 15: External reviewer's report due to sector executive
- February – March: Sector executive meets with director to discuss external review and draft recommendations
- March – April: Faculty Senate reviews and votes on recommendations to discontinue
- April 30: Recommendations forwarded to Office of the President
- May 15: Final decision issued by President
- May 30: Final letter sent to centers and report sent to OCHE
Frequently Asked Questions
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All centers and institutes established under UM Policy 310 and approved by the BOR are reviewed every five years. The current review schedule is available above.
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The center or institute director is responsible for preparing the self-study in accordance with the published guidelines and in collaboration with faculty and staff.
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The responsible sector executive selects the external reviewer in consultation with the center director, drawing from the ranked list of five candidates submitted by the center. Reviewers should not have a perceived conflict of interest, such as former students or close collaborators.
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The reviewer is asked to provide an overview of the center, an assessment of its activities and productivity, an analysis of its alignment with UM's strategic priorities, a comparison with similar programs in Montana and the region, remarks on resource needs, and a summary of recommendations.
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The responsible sector executive reviews both the self-study and the external reviewer's report and recommends continuance or discontinuance. Recommendations to discontinue are forwarded to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, who conducts a review of any discontinuations and makes a recommendation to the President. All recommendations are forwarded to the President, who issues the final decision. The Office of the Provost communicates the outcome to the center and OCHE by May 30.
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Yes. Based on the evidence presented, the sector executive, the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, and the President may recommend discontinuance. This initiates a Level I termination which is sent to OCHE for approval. If continued, the center proceeds for five years until its next scheduled review.
