Research blue sheets available online at WVU

One step in the research process for faculty and graduate students at West Virginia University has been upgraded.

As of March 1, Sponsored Programs Application Approval Sheets, also known as blue sheets, are distributed through departments electronically.

The blue sheets are required by faculty or graduate students hoping to complete research requirements.

An individual trying to be approved for research must fill out the form and have it signed by investigators involved with the research, as well as their department chair and dean. In cases where multiple departments or Health Sciences are involved, several signatures may be necessary to complete the form

"Previously faculty members and students were having to hand deliver them," said Alan Martin, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

The new electronic blue sheets can be filled out online, routed and approved in a paperless process before being sent back to the OSP. Martin said the new process would be more efficient than using hand delivered hard copies.

"If it was five signatures, it may take an hour or more to go around collecting them all, and if someone is not available you may have to make several visits which takes even longer," said Nigel Clark, Faculty Senate chair at WVU.

Faculty members at WVU are required to do substantive work in teaching, research and service to be considered for tenure at WVU. Clark said that the faculty have been asking for more efficient electronic systems, and the administration was also interested in updating the process.

Clark said the new electronic blue sheets are just a small initial step.

"I believe in the end we will see completely electronic management of research," Clark said.

The Office of Information Technology collaborated with the OSP to implement the new sheets. They have already held several sessions for training and feedback from faculty and students, and more sessions have been scheduled at three campus locations.

For more information contact Janet Boyles at 304-293-3998.