Policies

POLICIES

Below are some of the policies that address frequent questions and concerns among ISERP researchers. If you're looking for information on an institute or university policy that isn't addressed below, please reach out and we will assist you.

 

Indirect Costs

Columbia negotiates the indirect cost rates for the entire university. Information on the rates can be found here. You may also hear indirect costs referred to as F&A (Facilities & Administrative Costs), overhead, or NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement). These rates are subject to change annually and may vary based on the sponsor (federal or non-federal), the nature of the research, and the type of direct costs in the budget. 


Columbia Anti-Corruption Policy

University policy prohibits all faculty, employees, and students from corruption. For details of the policy and US laws on on corruption, see the Anti-Corruption page.


International Activities

Visit Columbia Global Travel to register your trip prior to departure.  Any travel to sanctioned countries or contact with sanctioned individuals must be reported and approved, so let us know beforehand. Please note that some activities in foreign countries may require special permits; you can read more about international research policies here and export controls here. If you're doing sponsored research abroad, ask ISERP to provide you with an International Research Questionnaire. If you're conducting human subjects research in another country, there may be additional layers of approval involved, so reach out to the Human Research Protection Office early.


PI Eligibility

Columbia policy stipulates who may serve as PI on a sponsored project. You can view the policy and the list of eligible appointments here. If you are a researcher in one of ISERP's departments and are interested in a PI waiver, contact us at iserp-funding@columbia.edu. You can read about the PI's oversight responsibilities in the university policy library.


Internal Deadlines

It is very important that researchers submit their proposal by the internal deadline provided by ISERP. Both ISERP and SPA need ample time to review a proposal thoroughly. If you do not allow us enough time for a full review, you put your proposal at risk of rejection for noncompliance. 


Grant or Gift?

If you're unsure whether an award should be classified as a grant or a gift, send us an email and we will get a determination for you. This is an important distinction, so don't hesitate to contact us with questions.


Fringe Rates

Like the indirect cost rates, the fringe rates are subject to change annually. The rate applied is based on the active agreement, the source of funding (federal or non-federal), and the type of appointment (student or staff). Information on current rates can be found here


Outside Interests and Employment

The Office of the Provost provides guidance for faculty with interests and employment outside of Columbia, including those who wish to be named a PI/Co-PI on a grant made to another institution. The policy can be found here

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