Thanks to all who responded to my questions about the reporting line
for your grants accounting function.  The results were, as you might
expect, mixed.  Actually they were split 50/50 with 7 universities
reporting that the grants accounting (post-award) function reports
to the sponsored programs office, and thus reporting mainly to the
academic side.  Another 7 reported a separation of pre-award and post-
award, with the post-award or grants accounting reporting to the
business affairs group.  Most were satisfied with their current arrangement,
admitting that it was the personalities of those involved and not the
reporting that made for a successful relationship.  Two of those reporting
were not satisfied with the arrangement - those two had separate functions
and admitted to problems with the business affairs office at their
respective universities.

None really talked about conflict of interest should the post-award/accounting
function report to the sponsored programs office.  All those who had a
combined shop seemed to think that it functioned very well, probably better
than separated duties.  Better communication, better coordination of
duties, more efficiency, etc.

Again, thanks to all.  Sarah

======================================================================
SARAH THOMPSON, DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY                 (517)774-3859
MT. PLEASANT, MI 48859                      xxxxxx@CMICH.EDU