At a prior university that I worked at (and which shall remain
nameless), I worked as a grant writer developing proposals.  During
my tenure there, more often than not, I had to contribute methodology
and substance to the faculty proposal, because the faculty member
either did not know how to do specific parts of the proposal, or
because they were too "busy" and did not have time to write their own
proposals.  Also procastination was the name of the day, although
that is common among faculty members at all universities.

At first I found it odd that faculty would not take the lead in
developing their own research proposals, which is their "bread and
butter."  Later, I grew to severely question why they should be
submitting proposals if they can't do the initial draft themselves.

I agree with the comment made several days ago: "If you can't write
it, you can't research it," or something to that effect.  I have
nothing against providing editing and other forms of proposal
support, but I think all faculty should take the time and provide the
effort to put together a credible first draft.  Fortunately, I now
work at a university where the faculty DO take the lead to finish
their first, second, and final drafts, and where I provide the
support to them when necessary.  I think that would partially
explain why Northwestern's level of grant activity has significantly
increased over the past 7 or 8 years.

The job of a grant writer is sometimes not pleasant, because one is
between a rock and a hard place.  Your boss wants you to get the
proposals out, the faculty you are working with sometimes do not
cooperate or procrastinate.  Nothing is to be gained by waiting until
the last minute to draft a research proposal.  No professor would
advocate that his or her  students wait until the night before to read a
book, write a paper, or study for an exam.  Perhaps they should take
this advice and apply it to the grant context.
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James J. Casey, Jr., M.A., M.P.A., J.D.
Sponsored Program Officer
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Northwestern University
(708) 491-7093           xxxxxx@nwu.edu
Licensed Attorney, State of Wisconsin
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