Research Incentive Account Closure after Employee Separation

Objective: To outline the closure and distribution process for residual funding in a research incentive account after an employee separates employment from OHIO.

Overview: Research Incentive (RI) funds are distributed into accounts for investigators with eligible awards. The use of RI funds is restricted to the enhancement of activities related to the funded project and/or to assist in the development of new projects. Funds may be used for, but are not limited to, the costs of writing new proposals, travel associated with the development of proposals for external funding, pilot studies for new projects, equipment, student support and professional development.  Employees who have separated employment from Ohio University (OHIO) relinquish any residual RI funds effective the date of separation.

Process: Residual funding in the RI account will revert to the College of Health Sciences and Professions for re-investment into research. If the balance in the RI account exceeds $1,000, the Department Chair and/or Institute Director affiliated with the employee may submit a proposal to request that up to 20% of the funding remain with the department and/or institute. In the event that a department and an institute are both interested in requesting the remaining funds, the department chair and institute director are encouraged to work together to submit a joint proposal requesting no more than 20% of the remaining funds.  Proposals are subject to approval by the Associate Dean for Research in conjunction with the Dean and must be submitted no later than 30 days after the employees’ last day of employment.

Responsibility: The Associate Dean for Research and Director of Finance are responsible for overseeing and initiating this process.