Section 1    Definition

A College of Medicine Institute (“Institute”) is an organizational unit within the College formally created and recognized in accordance with the provisions of this Article that provides a focal point for interdisciplinary research, education, and clinical service activities, as appropriate, and fills an ongoing need for interdisciplinary and interdepartmental effort by Faculty of two or more Departments of the College.  It is recognized that other units or programs within the College may occasionally use the term “institute” in their name but shall not be subject to the provisions of this Article unless established and operated in accordance with this Article.
   
In addition to its academic functions and constituents, an Institute has non-academic functions and constituents important to the College and a broader interdisciplinary role that may include other colleges and/or schools within Drexel University, as well as outreach to the community at large.

Section 2    Relationship between Institutes and Academic Departments

By establishing Institutes, it is recognized that certain topics, emerging disciplines and programs of importance to the College may be handled more appropriately by an interdisciplinary organization, i.e., an Institute.  The establishment of an Institute in a selected field does not alter the primary responsibility of Departments to foster the scholarly work and teaching of their Faculty. 

Each Institute is expected to strengthen and expand the research and teaching by Departments that relate to the work of the Institute. Departments and Institutes are expected to work together to accomplish the goals of the College.

Section 3    Goals

Institutes will:

(a)    Facilitate, coordinate and conduct multidisciplinary research, medical education, training and, where appropriate, service in cooperation with existing Departments of the College, and with other Drexel University schools and colleges where the Institute may function as a catalyst for inter- and multidisciplinary activity.

(b)    Encourage and accelerate the application of knowledge obtained from research to patient care and education.

(c)    Establish training and educational programs for scientists, clinicians, allied health professionals and/or members of the community.

Section 4    Governance and Membership

(1)    Director

(a)    The Director shall be selected according to the process applicable to appointments of Department Chairs (Article V).

(b)    The Director of an Institute reports to the Dean.

(c)    The Director is charged with the planning, implementation, coordination and management of the programs and activities of the Institute.

(d)    Sufficient funds shall be provided by the College to support the administrative and academic infrastructure of the Institute.  It is expected that all remaining funds for the Institute shall be generated from extramural sources.

(e)    As head of a budgetary unit, the Director has the authority and responsibility equivalent to that of the Chair of an academic Department.

(f)    An Institute Director shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee of the Faculty.

(g)    Each Director shall present a written annual progress report to the Dean.

(2)    Institute Members

Members of an Institute (including the Director) may be Faculty members of a Department of the College or of other colleges or schools of Drexel University, and may also include representatives of non-Faculty and non-academic constituencies.  Faculty members are subject to the authority of their Department Chair (in consultation with the Director) for all matters related to Faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure. 

Academic promotion of Institute Members will be made on the basis of the usual institutional criteria and in accord with the usual procedures.  Recommendation for academic promotion of Institute Members may be initiated by the Director with the approval of the Department Chair.

Section 5    Advisory Board

(1)    The Dean, in consultation with the Director, may appoint an Advisory Board for each Institute, consisting of members of the Faculty of the College and, as appropriate, of other Drexel University colleges and schools as well as local, regional, and national leaders in the area of the Institute’s focus.

(2)    The Advisory Board will:

(a)    Advise and assist the Director, as appropriate, regarding the goals and objectives of the Institute.

(b)    Assess the adequacy and appropriateness of resources and staff necessary for the successful operation of the Institute.

(c)    Evaluate the academic strengths of the Institute and progress towards goals.

Section 6    Establishment, Review and Dissolution of Institutes

(1)    Authority to establish and dissolve Institutes or to modify their goals or missions is vested with the Dean, who shall consult with the relevant Departments, Faculty and Advisory Board and obtain approval from the Executive Committee and Steering Committee prior to such decisions.

(2)    Each Institute shall undergo a periodic review equivalent to that for academic Departments.

(3)    The following are recognized as a College of Medicine Institute as of the effective date of these Bylaws:        

(a) Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership