Financial Concepts

1. Definition

Stanford defines program income as gross income earned by Stanford that is directly generated by a supported activity of a federal award or earned as a result of the federal award during the award’s period of performance.

2. What Is Included in Program Income

Program income includes but is not limited to income from:

1. Principal Investigator Responsibilities

Establishes policy to apply the University's negotiated indirect (F&A) cost rate to all externally-sponsored projects by categories defined in RPH: Categories of Sponsored Projects. Presents procedures to apply for a waiver of that rate for specific proposals, and criteria on which waiver decisions are made.

1. Determinations of Ownership and Policy in Unclear Cases

Questions of ownership or other matters pertaining to materials covered by this policy shall be resolved by the Dean of Research (or his or her designee) in consultation with the Office of Sponsored Research, the Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) and the Legal Office. For academic and research issues, the Dean of Research is the Provost's designee.

1. Definition of Cost Transfer

A cost transfer is an after-the-fact reallocation of costs associated with a transaction from one Project-Task-Award (PTA) to another.

For the purpose of this policy, sponsored projects include federal, state, foreign, non-government, grants, contracts, sub grants and subcontracts, cooperative agreements, fellowships, clinical trials - see below Exception section for policy exemptions.

1. Overview

Undergraduate participation in faculty members’ research activities not only enriches students’ education, it can provide them with a persuasive introduction into academic careers.  With more than 5,000 active sponsored research projects, Stanford offers many opportunities for our undergraduate students to participate in research that pushes at the frontiers of human knowledge.

1. Introduction

Graduate Student Assistantships are a form of student employment, earning a compensation package including both salary and tuition allowance (TAL) for the performance of research or teaching services to the University as part of the student’s academic and professional training and development.

A 50% Research Assistant will receive a per-quarter Tuition Allowance equal to the value of 8-9-10 units of tuition for each quarter of the appointment. Students with appointments of less than 50% receive a proportionately smaller amount of Tuition Allowance. 

1. Introduction

Stanford will comply with all requirements of the agencies making awards to the University in support of research or other activities. Where an agency specifies a maximum rate at which an individual may be paid from that agency's funds, Stanford will ensure that any salary above that rate will not be charged to the agency.

1. Overview

Stanford’s policy reflects OMB Circular A-21 and the Uniform Guidance that establishes the principle that salaries of administrative staff should normally be treated as Facilities and Administrative (F&A) or indirect costs.

The Uniform Guidance eliminates the major project criteria from A-21 for the direct charging of administrative and clerical salaries and now requires an administrative salary to meet the criteria of being integral to the performance of the sponsored project.

1. Definitions

A. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing represents that portion of the total project costs not borne by the Sponsor. Cost sharing is typically in the form of an actual cash expenditure of funds.

B. Mandatory Cost Sharing

Mandatory cost sharing is required by the sponsor as  a condition of obtaining an award. The cost sharing commitment must be included in the proposal to be considered by the sponsor.

1. Introduction

The PI must assure that ongoing fiscal management is accomplished in accordance with sponsor requirements, including necessary notifications to the sponsor about project status.

1. Responsibilities of the PI

1. Introduction

The following policy and procedures are directed toward the administration and distribution of Tangible Research Property (TRP), which is owned and/or controlled by Stanford. The policy and procedures are subject to Stanford's contractual obligations and are to be interpreted and applied consistent with and complementary to Stanford's other policies affecting the administration of tangible properties

1. Trade and Service Marks

Trade and service marks are distinctive words or graphic symbols identifying the sources, product, producer, or distributor of goods or services. Trade or service marks relating to goods or services distributed by the University shall be owned by the University. Examples include names and symbols used in conjunction with computer programs or University activities and events. Consult the Office of Technology Licensing for information about registration, protection, and use of marks.

1. Introduction

This document describes Stanford policies and associated administrative procedures for copyrightable materials and other intellectual property. Its objectives are:

1. Method of Procurement

Outside consultants are retained through the mechanism of a personal services agreement, which is prepared by the Contract Coordinator in the Procurement Department.

1. Introduction

Stanford's ability to promote interdisciplinary scholarship and research is enhanced by the existence of Independent Laboratories, Institutes, and Centers, which exist outside of organized schools and departments. These units facilitate faculty research into new areas while offering students and others a unique opportunity to explore interdisciplinary studies that extend beyond the boundaries of traditional programs, departments, and schools.