We've had a lot of discussion here about release time, and how
much to charge for it, and what kind of fringe to attach to it.  I
feel as if I'm skating back and forth and can't come to a final
decision.  The question:  Assuming that we are asking for "real"
costs (a la federal rules, etc.) to replace a faculty member for a
specific time, how can we charge more than $3-4K per course release,
since this is what it generally costs to replace this person in most
departments/schools?  That, and s.s. tacked on, of course.  I believe
in keeping our requested budgets as clean and defensible as possible,
but I'm beginning to feel like goodytwoshoes, and if agencies
routinely expect the 25%-50% buy-out price, and most colleges
routinely charge it, then I'd like to get on board.  We're small here
(about 400 awards/year), so sometimes it takes a long time to get a
real sense of things.
 I'd very much appreciate some clarification and/or input.  How do
most of you do it?
 Thanks for any answers.  If this gets much response, I'd be glad
to make a summary and post it.

Anne Womack
Director of Sponsored Programs
Grants and Research Administration
The College of William & Mary