Frequently Asked Questions

2. Questions Related to Awarded Grants

Q. Can I start working on the project and spend the grant money even though we haven't yet received the money from the funding agency?

A. Yes, once a research grant agreement or contract letter is signed by the funding agency as well as an AUB representative, project implementation could begin. Sometimes funding agencies only release their grant ` money once expenditure has occurred or upon submission of invoices.

Q. How can I hire a research assistant (RA) on a grant and what's the salary rate used?

A. Once a faculty member decides on the RA he/she wants to hire for a certain project he/she prepares a memo to the Dean detailing the period of employment, the status (part-time or full-time) of the candidate, the degree (M.A. or M.S), Account (Cost Center)/Grant to charge, and the tasks the RA will be performing on the grant. Attached to this memo the faculty member should have the following:
a. A filled out Research Application Form (Available at Dean's Offices)

b. A copy of the Highest Degree of RA candidate

c. Two passport photos of RA

d. A copy of RA's ID.

The Dean's Office is then responsible for filling out a Letter of Appointment and submitting it to the Personnel Office. Once the contract is ready, the RA will be asked to go to the Personnel Office to sign it. Once signed, it will be sent to the Comptroller's Office for processing. Faculty members should always refer to the cost center to which the salary should be deducted from.
The monthly rate of Research Assistants vary according to degrees. Rates for RAs with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree is as follows:

Basic = L.L. 867,186
Special Pay = L.L. 84,604
Total = L.L. 951,790 or $634.5/month
Rates for RAs with a Master of Arts Degree or Master of Science Degree is as follows:
Basic = L.L. 1,128,183
Special Pay = L.L. 110,068
Total = L.L. 1,238,251 or $825.5/month

Q. Can Consultants on my project/grant be AUB Faculty Members?

A. Project directors and principal investigators may not serve as Consultants on sponsored research projects except in certain specific circumstances, and if approved by the Dean and the Provost at the proposal stage. For exceptions, please refer to the Policy on Consultation, professional Activities and Research Support from Outside Activities. If the exceptions apply and the use consultants has been approved by the Dean and the Provost, then faculty members are allowed a maximum of one day of consultation per week and not exceeding 16 days per semester, and not exceeding 5 days for the summer semester.

Q. What if my proposal involves a service contract or a consultancy project, and is not defined as "research"?

A. Service contracts are usually administered by the Office of Regional External Program (REP), however OGC sometimes manages research contracts that involve some services and consultancy work. Faculty members are advised to contact OGC to define the nature of the project.