Body
Unit Policy
Title
College of Arts and Sciences: Sponsored Project Effort & Pay
Introduction
Purpose
Faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences may receive compensation for effort on sponsored projects. However, the timing and structure of this compensation differ significantly between the academic year and the summer months.
Scope
- Who does this Policy apply to? (Keep in mind that a Unit Policy can only apply to the same Unit)
- Are there particular groups within the Unit who must know and follow this Policy?
- Are there groups within the Unit that this Policy does NOT apply to?
- If it’s a succinct statement, you can exclude groups here.
- If the exclusions will take more space to explain, use the “Exclusions” section below.
Policy
Academic Year (9-Month Appointment)
Effort on Sponsored Projects
Faculty are not permitted to receive additional pay for sponsored project effort during the academic year.
- Why? Academic year salary is considered full-time compensation for teaching, research, and service.
- Effort Reporting: Any effort on sponsored projects during this time must be cost-shared (i.e., not directly compensated by the grant).
Course Buyouts (Only Actionable Mechanism)
Faculty may reduce their teaching load by dedicating time to sponsored research through a course buyout.
Effective July 1, 2024, the following rate structure applies:
| Annual Teaching Load |
Percent of Salary |
Maximum Amount |
| 4+ courses |
15% |
$22,500 |
| 3 courses |
20% |
$30,000 |
| 2 courses |
30% |
$45,000 |
- The applicable rate is based on the department’s standard teaching load, not the individual’s.
- Fringe benefits must be budgeted in addition to the applicable rate and should follow the course release funding source.
- Course buyouts require Chair approval
- If the grant alone cannot support a full buyout, you do have the option of adding other funding together to reach the full amount (start up funds, internal awards, distinguished professor funds)
Projects Managed by Another Department or School
If you have effort on a project managed by another department or school within UNC-Chapel Hill, please let your Research Administrator and Department Manager know your effort/salary distribution.
Special Arrangements
If you have a special arrangement with your department on your salary/effort distribution, please communicate that with your Research Administrator.
Summer Months (May-August)
Effort on Sponsored Projects
Faculty may receive compensation for effort on sponsored projects during the summer.
- A faculty member may work on a grant during the summer and receive additional compensation up to one-third of their base salary (excluding any administrative supplements).
- These payments are disbursed at the end of each summer month.
- Must be proportional to actual effort expended on the project.
Effort Reporting
Summer salary must be supported by documented effort and align with sponsor guidelines.
Important Reminders
- Always consult with your department’s research administrator, assigned Contracts and Grants Coordinator or Manager, or the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) before committing effort.
- Ensure compliance with sponsor-specific rules (e.g., NIH salary caps, NSF effort limits).
Related Requirements
External Regulations (if applicable)
- Is this Policy connected to any Policies, Laws (federal, state, local, regulations), and/or Accreditation requirements?
- Are there any related UNC System-wide Policies?
- Is this Policy connected to any UNC-Chapel Hill Policies, Procedures, or Standards?
- Are there any other resources or materials readers of this Policy might likely refer to or need to follow or understand this Policy?
Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures (if applicable)
- Is this Policy connected to any other Unit Policies, Procedures, or Standards?
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Office: Dean's Office
Telephone: 919-962-1165
Email: artsandsciences@unc.edu