Council of Principal Investigators and Research Administrators

Purpose or Function: The Council of Principal Investigators and Research Administrators (CPIRA) consists of individuals elected to represent principal investigators (PIs) and research administrators from members of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi research community. The council is committed to the continued improvement of the research environment for students, faculty, and staff. Specifically, CPIRA and the faculty and staff it represents, endeavor to work with administration to provide an effective and efficient university organization and to achieve the goal of being nationally recognized and competitive in research, other sponsored activities, and teaching.  CPIRA's goals are to (1) serve as a conduit between the administration and the research community; (2) identify and provide solutions to issues affecting the research enterprise; (3) meet regularly with administrators via an executive committee; and (4) serve on committees, task forces, and advisory groups addressing issues affecting the research community. CPIRA meets monthly or as needed to address specific issues concerning the research and graduate environments on campus. Appropriate recommendations are discussed with and implemented through appropriate organizations or administrative offices.

Membership: Members of CPIRA are elected PIs and Co-PIs and appointed research administrators from the academic colleges/schools, centers, institutes, and other university departments representing the TAMU-CC research community. As such, it is the responsibility of CPIRA members to maintain an effective dialogue with their constituents. A representative from the library will be appointed by the dean and a representative from Faculty Senate will also serve as a non-voting members of CPIRA with one-year renewable terms. It is suggested that this person be an eligible constituent of CPIRA. The CPIRA coordinator serves as a non-voting ex-officio member and facilitates administrative duties of the council. Ad hoc members may be invited by the chair of CPIRA for renewable, 1-year terms without voting rights. Representation excludes those who are primarily administrators such as Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, and Department Chairs. An exception to this restriction may be granted by the Chair of CPIRA on a case-by-case basis.

Unless otherwise noted above, membership on CPIRA shall be for a three-year term, to coincide with TAMU-CC’s fiscal year, starting September 1 and ending August 31. No member may be elected to serve more than six (6) consecutive years.  Additional information about CPIRA membership can be found on the CPIRA website at https://www.tamucc.edu/research/cpira/index.php.

Chair: This position is filled by the Vice-Chair from the previous fiscal year.  Nominations for Vice Chair are solicited from CPIRA members after completion of annual CPIRA elections. The Vice Chair is elected by the CPIRA members annually.

Responsible University Official: Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation 

Last Updated: 07/21/2025