GOVERNING DOCUMENTS: OPERATIONS

POLICY:	OWNERSHIP OF RESEARCH EQUIPMENT PURCHASED FROM GRANT OR CONTRACT FUNDS
Effective Date:	December 20, 1973
Revised Date:	June 1976
Review Date:
Approving Body:	Board of Governors
Authority:
Implementation:
Contact:	Vice-President (Administration)
Applies to:	All Staff

---

Preamble

For many years, most granting agencies have permitted universities to retain ownership of equipment purchased from research grants. Such a policy is highly desirable from the University's standpoint, as the equipment can normally be utilized for further research and for teaching purposes.

When research is undertaken on a contract basis, the sponsoring organization may wish to retain ownership of research equipment. Such a policy is undesirable from the University's standpoint, unless the equipment (a) is not useful for additional research and/or teaching, or (b) is too costly and difficult to maintain after the original research is completed.

Policy

1. Normally, staff members should arrange that ownership of equipment purchased from research grants and contract funds shall be permanently vested in the University. However, when such ownership will involve the University in space or budget requirements after the research is completed, approval shall be obtained from the appropriate administrative authorities before the contract is signed.

2. Whenever University ownership of research equipment cannot be negotiated, the staff member or the responsible officer concerned shall, before completion of negotiations, send copies of the relevant contract, correspondence, etc. to the Dean (copy to the Department Head) with a brief explanation of reasons for retention of ownership by the sponsoring agency.

NOTE: It is important that the Comptroller be informed of any equipment which is purchased for the University, or equipment that is to be used at the University although title vests with the sponsoring agency. This equipment has to be included in our appraisal of inventory and a proper note made that the equipment does not belong to the University.