LabSpace Program Labs

Program Labs are for departmental programmatic research, and instructional needs.  Examples include, but are not limited to, lab-classrooms, student research labs, facilities with shared specialized equipment common to the department or research area, and labs dedicated to collaborative strategic research or method. 

Respective department chairs control access to assigned Program Labs. A request for a Program Lab must originate from a department chair. 

Program Labs are required to submit annual surveys about lab activities.  These results will be reviewed by the LabSpace Faculty Advisory Committee at set intervals defined in the award letter.  

Application Process

To apply for a Program Lab, the chair or director should complete the online form on behalf of the program in need. For technical assistance with the online proposal form, contact Program Officer Adrienne Witzel.  The web form is for Program Lab proposals only.  Externally funded projects should use the Project Lab web application.

The submission process is ongoing, but proposals submitted by mid-April have the best chance of being reviewed and, if approved, implemented by the following academic year.

Submitted proposals are reviewed by the LabSpace Faculty Advisory Committee which will respond to the proposal in one of three ways. First, the committee may simply approve or deny the request. Second, the committee may request additional information in writing before making a decision. Third, the committee may ask to meet with the applicant(s) to discuss the proposal before making a decision.  The chair of the LabSpace Faculty Advisory Committee will notify the department of the committee’s decision.

Proposal Guidelines

On the application form, you will be asked to outline or describe:

1. Details of the benefits and costs of the proposed lab, why the space is required for the program to succeed, and why the department(s) involved cannot house the lab in existing unit space.  
2. Describe the envisioned space, and any sources of funding for renovation, furniture, and equipment. LAITS will provide cost estimates for renovations based on your description.
3. Describe who and how the lab will be used.  A list of all anticipated researchers and students should be included, as well as a list of any classes or other program functions.
4. Explain how the department or unit will benefit from the lab.  Examples may include effects on faculty recruitment, research, grants, and publications?  How it may help recruit, train, and place graduate students? Will it impact undergraduate teaching or research?  
5. Detail sources of program funding such as external grants.  How likely is the grant to succeed? How will the program be funded otherwise? Can the plan be scaled back if funding is not available? How will it impact plans if space is awarded contingent on the success of the grant proposal?
6. Detail any costs other than renovation, such as salary, equipment, or other recurring costs.  How would these costs be covered?
7. Include an outline of the program schedule, with an anticipated start and other important milestones.  When might grants become available? 

Feel free at any point to contact LabSpace to discuss this opportunity further.

Apply for a Program Lab

Grant Barger

Director for Facility Management
512-471-6170

Adrienne Witzel

LabSpace Program Officer
512-232-2219

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