To better align research operations more closely with the University’s mission and infrastructure, West Virginia University, in collaboration with WVU Research Corporation, is transitioning WVURC employees to direct University employment, effective Oct. 31.
This transition is designed to streamline administrative processes, reduce duplication between entities and improve access to institutional resources, systems and support while providing improved benefits to WVURC employees.
Currently, WVURC operates as its own legal and operational entity with separate HR policies, but following the expanded personnel freedoms granted to WVU by the Legislature in 2017, the University is now able to fully manage these employees within its own employment structure while still maintaining the flexibility needed to align WVURC positions with grant funding timelines and requirements.
This is a structural change only. No positions will be eliminated as a direct result of this change, and no adjustments are planned for day-to-day duties, reporting relationships, salaries and work locations of current WVURC employees.
Shifting WVURC employees to University employees will ensure long term sustainability and compliance with funding and regulatory requirements and also offer a more consistent employment experience for research personnel.
WVURC supervisors and employees were notified about this transition on Wednesday (July 23). Throughout the coming months, we will continue to work closely with WVURC leaders, supervisors and employees to provide them with dedicated resources, onboarding guidance and benefits information to ensure a smooth transition.
This change reflects our shared commitment to creating a more unified and sustainable research environment, and we are committed to supporting WVURC employees throughout this period.
For questions, contact WVURCTransition@mail.wvu.edu.