I echo Marcia's and Bill's sentiments.  My use of the expression "line
in the sand" was quite tongue in cheek -- it's very hard to draw a
line in the shifting sand!  I believe the most we can hope for is to
establish some reasonable guidelines then go with the flow.  It would
be interesting, however, to hear if anyone has flatly refused to send
out an application because of lack of adherence to institutional
deadlines.  Instead I hear tales of red-eye flights to D.C. or
same-day messenger service, etc.  Is there someone out there who has
dealt with a truly unrepentent procrastinator who would share his/her
experience?

>>> Marcia Weis <xxxxxx@PATH.UAB.EDU> - 2/25/98 6:27 PM >>>
Bill, this is what I've been thinking about while reading these.
Yes,
it is frustrating when proposals come in at inconvenient times and/or
the last minute.  Of course, a lot could have been averted by better
planning on the part of the PI.  However, we are here to further the
success of our investigators and our institutions.  Not submitting
the
proposal that just could have made a difference to the career of the
investigator, the status of the institution, or to the world at large
because it didn't get in the appropriate number of days in advance
would
be a real shame . . . and we would be to blame.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Kirby [SMTP:xxxxxx@POSTOFFICE.WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 1998 12:13 PM
> To:   Multiple recipients of list RESADM-L
> Subject:      Re: Internal Proposal Submission deadline survey
-Reply
> -Reply
>
> I have been following this thread with a lot of interest. Seems
like
> many
> institutions try to enforce deadline limits, with predictable
results.
> I
> know this will provoke a firestorm: Why is it that when every other
> "business" that I can think of is trying to move toward "anytime,
> anyplace"
> service in order to stay competitive, some research administrators
are
> trying to "draw lines in the sand"? I realize proposals are not
> anything
> like sending flowers at the last moment, but come on folks... Is
this
> the
> way to add value to the process?
>
> Bill Kirby
> xxxxxx@worldnet.att.net
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gerald McCulloh <xxxxxx@WPO.IT.LUC.EDU>; Research
> Administration
> Discussion Group <xxxxxx@health.state.ny.us>
> To: Multiple recipients of list RESADM-L
<xxxxxx@health.state.ny.us>
> Date: Thursday, February 19, 1998 5:51 PM
> Subject: Internal Proposal Submission deadline survey -Reply -Reply
>
>
> >Lines drawn in the sand. No there's a metaphor whose time has
come.
> >The formal statement of a deadline policy is needed to protect
staff
> >from thoughtless abuse by those who make their own emergency
everyone
> >else's. The frequent exception is appropriate accommodation to an
> >imperfect world. Too much time solving the dilemma is better spent
> >elsewhere. My next line in the sand is____________________