Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

University Centers and Institutes Report Many Benefits; the Oversight Process Needs to Be Strengthened

Report 07-35, August 2007




Report Summary

  • Florida's public universities support 554 centers and institutes that pursue research, teaching, and public service goals. The centers and institutes report achieving varied benefits for Florida, including enhancing student learning, attracting federal and private research funding, furthering scientific and technical research, and developing new medical treatments.
  • While there are reporting systems in place for centers and institutes, accountability should be strengthened. Universities have not adequately evaluated the performance of most centers and institutes to determine their effectiveness or whether they are making adequate progress towards fulfilling their missions. In addition, while centers and institutes must follow university financial reporting processes, few are audited to ensure their compliance with these processes. Additional accountability information would help the Florida Legislature, the Board of Governors, and universities better allocate limited research funds and determine whether current centers and institutes should be continued.


Related Reports
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    Report 11-19 September 2011
  2. Increased Accountability and Oversight of University Centers and Institutes Is Needed
    Report 10-41 May 2010
  3. Florida Solar Energy Center Conducts Research and Development; Legislature Could Direct Fee Increases and Drop Certification Requirement
    Report 09-17 March 2009
  4. Supplemental Report: Profiles of Selected University Centers and Institutes
    Report 07-36 August 2007
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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