Office of Sponsored Programs

Procedure  |  Guidance on Budget Revisions Involving Student Support Budget Categories

External funding provides an excellent avenue to develop student research skills and deliver research training. Funds budgeted for student support should not be reallocated to other budget categories because preparing and supporting Tech students both financially and academically is our first priority. Furthermore,

• The education and training provided through external funding is in alignment with Tennessee Tech’s vision of creating “career-ready graduates” and diverting funds from that effort is inconsistent with the vision of the university.
• Tennessee Tech prides itself on the fact that Tech graduates leave with the least debt in Tennessee (U.S. News & World Report). External funding budgeted for student support plays a significant role in maintaining that distinction.
• The reallocation of funds from student support categories is not aligned with the spirit of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act of 2007 (America COMPETES Act) which was designed to invest in innovation through research and development, and to improve the competitiveness of the United States.