Charter

NAME OF THE CENTER
Center for Research and Services, College of Engineering and Computer Science.

OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND SERVICES
The purpose of the Center shall be to promote activities relating the engineering and computer science community to the faculty and students of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS).

FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND SERVICES
Two primary functions of the Center shall be (1) the promotion of engineering and computer science research, development and services, and (2) the promotion of the Honors Co-Op program. The Center shall introduce the research, development and services capabilities of the College to the industry of the region and shall solicit sponsorship for the Honors Co-Op program. The research and development activities of the College include a unique program: Design Clinic. A Design Clinic is a research and/or development project, funded by an external entity. It is a virtual clinic involving (1) several students, (2) at least one faculty supervisor (project director), and (3) at least one external sponsor who provides funding and a real world problem. The Honors Co-Op is a year-round internship program sponsored by the industry for highly qualified students.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CENTER
The Center shall have a Director who shall be appointed by and report to the College Dean. Supporting staff for the Center may be hired contingent on the availability of funds generated by the Center.

OPERATIONS OF THE CENTER
The Center shall operate within the policies of the California State University, Northridge and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE CENTER
The Center will be supported only through external funds generated by the Center. Financial transactions of the Center are to be reviewed by the College MAR and approved by the College Dean.

RESOURCES FOR THE CENTER

Space:  The Center will occupy one office in an office compound shared with the Development Office of the College.

Personnel:  The Center has a Director reporting to the College Dean.  The salary and associated expenses are supported by funds generated by the Center. Temporary staff positions may be created contingent on the availability of funds to support the Center Director’s activities.

Sources of Income: All resources for the Center will be generated by its activities. Center generated Design Clinics will carry a portion of the Center’s salary expenses. Funds generated from the Honors Co-Op program will support salary and other expenses of the Center.

ADVISORY BOARD
The Advisory Board of the Center shall consists of (1) all department chairs of the college, (2) the faculty academic director of the Honors’ Co-Op program, and (3) a faculty representative with recent Design Clinic experience elected by the College chairs.  The Advisory Board shall meet at least once in an academic year to (1) review the Center’s activities, (2) suggest new leads and/or directions for sponsorship opportunities, and (3) set performance goals for the future year(s). Board meetings shall be called by the College Dean.

PERIOD OF OPERATION
The period of operation shall be July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2010.