Close menu Resources for... William & Mary
W&M menu close William & Mary

About Us

Mission Statement:

"At William & Mary, teaching, research, and public service are linked through programs designed to preserve, transmit, and expand knowledge. Effective teaching imparts knowledge and encourages the intellectual development of both student and teacher. Quality research supports the educational program by introducing students to the challenge and excitement of original discovery, and is a source of the knowledge and understanding needed for a better society. The university recognizes its special responsibility to the citizens of Virginia through public and community service to the Commonwealth as well as to national and international communities. Teaching, research, and public service are all integral parts of the mission of William & Mary." (Excerpted from the University's Mission Statement)

To further the research mission of the university and help achieve a goal of the Strategic Plan "[t]o encourage the research, scholarly and creative activities of the faculty and increase external funding for research," the Office of Sponsored Programs has as its mission:

To provide effective and efficient pre- and post-award services to the faculty and staff in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and Schools of Business, Education, and Law, at William & Mary. We endeavor to foster a supportive environment for those engaging in externally sponsored research and programs by facilitating the pursuit of external funding and the management of awards, and by establishing policies and procedures that minimize administrative burdens while protecting the interests of W&M.

The Office of Sponsored Programs performs four basic functions:
  1. reviewing and approving proposals and awards for sponsored programs,
  2. serving as the University's negotiating and executing office for sponsored program agreements and relationships,
  3. interpreting the regulatory and contractual administrative requirements/terms of these relationships; and
  4. distributing information received concerning external funding availability to appropriate faculty.