RIEP Advisory Committee Info

Terms of Reference for the RIEP Endeavor Advisory Committee (EndAC)

Committee Name and Affiliation
Endeavor Advisory Committee (EndAC). This committee is affiliated with the Rhode Island Endeavor Program (RIEP), a system of services, opportunities, and projects involving the R/V Endeavor and supported with RI State funds. EndAC is a committee created by and through the authorization of URI's GSO Dean, David Farmer.

Type
Advisory. EndAC is a standing committee that provides advice to the GSO Dean on issues related to the use of state support for the Endeavor.

Responsible to
EndAC members are responsible to the communities they represent, and to Dean Farmer, who is in turn responsible to senior administrators at URI, the Board of Higher Education, and to other RI state officials that represent RI taxpayers.

Purpose
Three main functions:
-Preparatory work leading up to a decision by the Dean, such as developing policy options and recommendations on projects, services, and operations;
-Carry out tasks on behalf of the Dean in certain areas, such as community relations; and
-Work with staff to implement certain operations and activities

Authority
Decision-making rests with the GSO Dean.

Timeframes, Reporting and Deadlines
EndAC is a standing committee with a duration that coincides with state support. EndAC meets at locations and according to a schedule that is proposed and approved by the committee. GSO support staff will assist in developing and distributing meeting agendas and minutes. EndAC assists the Dean in preparing bi-annual operations and management reports. These address Program activities (e.g., research, education, outreach), planning activities, finance, ship schedule, and other subjects as appropriate. EndAC and the Dean also prepare annual reports on the use of state funding in support of the Endeavor. The annual report is submitted to the RI Governor, the State Legislature and personnel at participating institutions.

Composition
EndAC is composed of scientists, educators, and administrators with broad-based experience in large marine research vessels and their use in ocean sciences. The composition of EndAC may change at the Dean's discretion.

Staff Support
The GSO Dean's Office will support EndAC activities.

Specific Areas of Responsibility
-Formulates recommendations regarding the RI Endeavor Program and the use of state support
-Conducts planning, such as developing annual program plans, schedules, and budgets
-Helps expand Endeavor's capabilities and broaden the community of users
-Promotes collaborations and cooperation among vessel user communities
-Promotes the value of State support of the Endeavor to RI taxpayers
-Is assigned managerial and operational responsibilities for appropriate tasks
-Evaluates and assesses Program accomplishments against established goals