Grant Writer's Toolbox
Faculty (PI/PD) Buyout on Grants and Contracts
The research enterprise of the University should, whenever possible, be fully supported by extramural funding. A significant portion of this cost typically involves PI/PD time. Appalachian State University expects all extramural projects which include faculty buyout to calculate this buyout on the appropriate percentage basis of the PI/PD’s annual salary and not on the specific amount needed for course buyout(s) (e.g. adjunct rate). For example, if the project requires a 25% effort during the academic year, 25% of the PI/PD’s salary should be included in the proposed budget. This equates to 12.5% per course based on a 12 hour course load per semester.
The University recognizes that in certain cases the amount of funding allowed by the agency may not be large enough to cover this percentage of the PI/PD’s salary or the agency has policies restricting the amount of salary that can be charged to a grant. If either of these circumstances exists, the PI/PD is expected to provide a written rationale as to why an exception to University policy should be granted. This request should be submitted, along with the proposal, to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs for approval by the Provost or his/her designee.
All salary dollars generated by extramural funding will be transferred to the appropriate College/School. From this amount, funds will be provided to cover the cost of hiring a replacement. Excess salary dollars (grant-funded dollars minus cost of replacement) will be allocated as follows: 35% to College, 50% to Department, and 15% to PI/PD. When appropriate and mutually agreed upon, the percentage allocations can be renegotiated. Excess funds can be used for such things as travel, supplies, equipment, and assistantships. These funds may not be used to directly supplement the PI/PD’s salary.
EXAMPLES OF COURSE REPLACEMENT CALCULATION ASSUMING A 25% REPLACEMENT CHARGE
TO GRANT OR CONTRACT
TO GRANT OR CONTRACT
Two Course Replacement |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Dollars (25% x $60,000) | $15,000 | ||
| Replacement Cost (6 x $1061) | $6,366 | ||
| REMAINING FOR DISTRIBUTION | $8,634 | ||
| College (35%) | $3,022 | ||
| Department (50%) | $4,317 | ||
| PI/PD (15%) | $1,295 | ||
One Course Replacement |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Dollars (25% x $60,000) | $15,000 | ||
| Replacement Cost (3 x $1061) | $3,183 | ||
| REMAINING FOR DISTRIBUTION | $11,817 | ||
| College (35%) | $4,135 | ||
| Department (50%) | $5,909 | ||
| PI/PD (15%) | $1,773 | ||
Updated July 2007