The Authorized Organizational Representative (AORVP) is an individual(s) who can represent, commit, and legally bind the university on applications or proposals submitted to sponsors. The AOR can also and represent the university in negotiations for and administration of sponsored programs and their associated activities.
The president has delegated to SPA directors and research administrators the authority to serve as Authorized Organization Representation on applications.
Deans, chairs, faculty, and staff are not authorized to obligate the university on paper or electronic applications or proposals. They’re also not authorized or to execute the resulting grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts for sponsored projects. Only SPA directors are authorized to sign sponsored grants and contracts.
In addition, the Associate Vice President for Research/Executive Director Sponsored Programs is authorized to sign any documents necessary or advisable in connection with those agreements (e.g., user agreements, master agreements, teaming agreements).
See NIU Office of General Counsel Contract Procedures (PDF).
If you receive a grant or contract award or other document related to sponsored funding, please email a copy of the agreement to asosp@niu.edu and SPA will work with you to obtain any necessary signatures and to process it accordingly.