Terms of Reference – UCD Research Managers and Administrators Network (URMAN)
| Title | UCD Research Managers and Administrators Network (URMAN) |
| Purpose | To provide a network within UCD for Research Managers and Administrators to deliver benefits to the University and those individuals working within the research management and administration space. |
| Objectives | ● Improved recognition and identity for the profession of research administration and management ● Improved opportunities to share knowledge and best practice with a view to developing standardised processes and procedures where appropriate. ● To provide a “voice” to the groups in terms of lobbying and influencing UCD policies and practices as they pertain to research activities ● To identify common training and professional development requirements for the group and ensure delivery of same. ● To provide a forum for engagement with outside parties – e.g. funders, NCPs, IUA, EUA etc. |
| Authority / Champion | VP for Research, Innovation and Impact |
| Secretariat | To be provided by UCD Research |
| Membership | Self-Selection to the Network by eligible employees as follows: ● All personnel providing services to the research community in UCD |
| Advisory Group (AG) | ● The advisory group will provide oversight to URMAN. ● This group will have 8-9 members drawn from URMAN members. ● Appointment to the AG will be by self-nomination. If more than 8 members volunteer initially then an election will take place. ● Annually 3 members of the group should step down to allow for new members within the AG. ● No member can serve on the AG for more than 5 consecutive years. ● The group will have a rotating chair (selected by the AG members). The chair should rotate at least every twenty four months. ● UCD Research will provide the secretariat. The purpose of the group is to strive towards the achievement of the objectives outlined above. |
| Quorum | The advisory group will have a quorum of 5 members. In the absence of the Chair the advisory group members present will appoint a Chair. |
| Sub-groups | From time to time it may be necessary to set up sub-groups to look into specific projects. Each sub-group should have at least one member of the advisory group to act as a communications link between the sub-group and the advisory group. |
| Established | September 2013 |
| Reviewed & amended | Reviewed May 2018. Amended April 2019 to increase AG membership from 6-8 members to 8-9 members, and to increase quorum from 4 members to 5 members. Reviewed November 2021. Reviewed November 2023. |
| Next review date | September 2025 |