Admin Module

Administrative Core Summary The Administrative Core manages all activities of the McKnight Vision Research Center (MVRC) investigators related to the use of Core Grant modules (Experimental Models; Biological Imaging; In Vivo Imaging). Specific Aims are: 1) To provide administrative support for the use of shared Core modules with priority for NEI-R01 studies, 2) To review the quality, efficiency, progress and impact of Core Modules through Module Directors, Executive Committee, and the Advisory Committee of external members, 3) To manage financial operations of all core grant activities and the grant budget, 4) To provide the annual progress reports to the National Eye Institute. The Administrative Director is the Center Core PI with the assistance of: 1) Administrative Manager, 2) Module Directors and Module Managers), 3) Executive Committee (PI + Module Directors + Administrative Manager), 3) Advisory committee (five external advisors + PI + Module Directors) (see Figure 1 below). The Administrative Manager handles record keeping, billing, equipment usage, maintenance and repair, and manages the operating funds for all modules of the core P30 grant. Module Directors oversee the daily duties of Module Managers of three grant modules (Experimental Models, Biological Imaging, In Vivo Imaging) and meets with them weekly or on an as needed basis for prompt resolution of outstanding issues. Module directors and managers also meet with the users of the modules regarding experimental design and monitor usage through the scheduling websites. The Executive Committee meets quarterly to assess module usage, adherence to usage priority, equipment maintenance/repair and service contracts, budget, or any other activity relevant to the function of the Modules. The Executive Committee also meets on an as needed basis for issues that require prompt interventions such as the core grant budget or conflict with module users. The Advisory Committee meets once a year to assess efficiency and impact of Core Modules on the productivity of MVRC investigators and to formulate strategic decisions for the next year. Strategic decisions that involve technological expansion and module reconfiguration are discussed, if necessary, with the Chairs of the Departments of participating investigators and the Dean the School of Medicine.