W. Va. Code R. § 133-48-12

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 133-48-12 - Procedures for State Colleges

12.1. Until such time as the trust fund is fully distributed, interest earnings shall be deposited as accrued. The Commission shall use a portion of those moneys derived from investment earnings accruing to the trust fund, as well as moneys that are not matched and distributed to participating institutions prior to July 1, 2015, for distribution to state colleges.

12.2. As funds are realized, the Vice Chancellor shall issue competitive notices or requests for proposals to the state colleges. A merit-review of the scientific potential of the proposed research activity shall be conducted by peer scientists under the general direction of the Vice Chancellor.

12.3. Solicitations for science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) projects at state colleges shall:

12.3.a. Establish a level of funds currently available for distribution;

12.3.b. Identify the number of anticipated awards based on the availability of funds, establishing equal amounts available for each institution;

12.3.c. Identify specific research targets or thematic areas for proposals;

12.3.d. Provide specific application procedures and deadlines for application;

12.3.e. Specify matching requirements, including documentation of gift deposits;

12.3.f. Specify a reasonable deadline for obtaining qualified donations; and

12.3.g. Provide latitude for lesser amounts of support if only smaller qualified donations are obtained by the institution.

12.4. To qualify for a distribution of state matching moneys, a state college shall meet the following conditions:

12.4.a. Obtain qualified donations of private gifts in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of state match funds requested from the proceeds identified as available for distribution from the trust fund.

12.4.b. Deposit the qualified donations and any state match distributed from the trust fund when an award is provided into the accounts of the institution or its affiliated research corporation or foundation.

12.4.c. If an institution collects only a portion of the matching funds needed, then the unmatched portion of the award shall revert to the trust fund for reallocation during the next competition.

12.4.d. Qualified donations and state matching moneys may be expended only for a proposed research-oriented initiative developed in response to requests for proposals and approved by the Commission.

12.5. Eligible research areas include all scientific disciplines or interdisciplinary STEM fields available at state colleges or in collaboration with the participating institutions.

12.6. All proposals shall be institutional infrastructure-building in nature, not individual researcher projects. Each institution shall seek to create "areas of distinction" or "centers of excellence" or strengthen one or two areas of talent and expertise for capacity building in STEM fields that are unique strengths. However, partnerships, consortia and research alliances with other institutions with common or complementary interests are encouraged.

12.7. State colleges may elect, at their discretion, to place all or some portion of the qualified donation and/or state match into a designated endowment. Otherwise, all funds are available for immediate expenditure for STEM projects proposed as a result of the requests for proposals.

12.8. The Commission may provide periodic award cycles throughout the life of the trust fund at such times as sufficient interest or other funds are accrued and available for distribution.

W. Va. Code R. § 133-48-12