RE: using wcs to raise money

[Barry Maid <bmmaid@ualr.edu>]

Centaurs--

I know I've just responded, but after reading Jeanne's post, I think I 
need to say more.

While Jeanne is right about state-supported institutions not be allowed 
to make a profit, most state-supported institutes do have ways of 
entering into contracts for services.  I'd suspect that's what you'd be 
talking about.  My experience is that traditional academic units rarely 
do this.  Rather they come out of "Institutes" or "Centers," depending on 
what your campus calls them.

There are many rules on how to handle contract money, but it's not 
unusual for most to go to the individual actually performing the service, 
and then a percentage going to the unit for a variety of things.

I also know from hard experience that it's not easy to get such a thing 
going.  I also expect that most of the problem will come from 
inside--from folks who want a piece of the action without doing the work.

What I'd do first is look at other models already in place on your 
campus.  I'm sure they're there.

Barry Maid
bmmaid@ualr.edu