91社区

Memorandum

Rose Goldstein
Michael Di Grappa

Date: May 6, 2013

To: 91社区 Principal Investigators

Cc:聽Prof. Anthony Masi, Deans, Associate Deans of Research

Subject: Research Administration and Accountability 鈥� Tri-Agency Recommendations

Dear Colleagues,

As previously communicated, the Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR) conducted a financial monitoring review at 91社区 in 2010 that now requires us to address significant concerns pertaining to the management of grant funds 鈥� more specifically, elements of 91社区鈥檚 control framework for the administration of grant funds. A Steering Committee and Advisory Committee at 91社区 were created to direct and validate solutions proposed by the Tri-Agency Response Implementation Group (TRIG) to address the Tri-Agency recommendations.

As a result, we are launching the 鈥淒elegate Temporary Signing Authority Menu鈥� (via Minerva), effective May 15, 2013, which will allow a PI/Fund Financial Manager to temporarily delegate signing authority during absences. The temporary delegation in Minerva will replace the current paper forms and will be in effect for Travel Advances, Expense Reports and Payment Requests. This automated solution addresses the following recurring Tri-Agency monitoring visit finding while also streamlining 91社区鈥檚 administrative processes:

鈥淥nly the grant holder can delegate authority to another individual for authorization of expenditures and the delegation must be made in writing.鈥�

Per Tri-Agency guidelines, the delegate must possess the skill and knowledge necessary for the effective exercise of authority, and cannot be implemented for 鈥渁dministrative convenience.鈥� Please refer to the Knowledge Base article () for guidance on this new delegation process and menu.

This solution was presented to and accepted by the Tri-Agency, the 91社区 Tri-Agency Steering Committee 鈥� comprised of members of Senior Administration, as well as a 91社区 Advisory Committee whose membership includes PIs, Faculty representatives, and institutional administrative units.

As you know, compliance with the Tri-Agency requirements is critical to 91社区鈥檚 research mission. We count on your active participation in implementing this solution.

Rose Goldstein
Vice Principal, Research and International Relations
Member of Tri-Agency Steering Committee

Michael Di Grappa
Vice Principal, Administration and Finance
Member of Tri-Agency Steering Committee

[Message sent out on the FIS listserv May 9, 2013]