A consultant is an individual or business whose expertise is required to perform the project. Consultant services are temporary and highly specialized or technical and generally not available within the University.

CSU investigators should not be listed as ‘Consultants’ on CSU sponsored projects. CSU investigators wishing to provide measurable effort on a sponsored project awarded to CSU must be listed in the project budget under ‘Personnel’ since they are CSU employees. Additionally, their role on the project should be defined according to the work being performed (e.g. Co-PI, Co-Investigator, Non-Senior/Key Personnel, etc.).

CSU investigators wishing to provide input on a project in terms of advice or other minimal, non-compensated effort, may be listed as an “Other Significant Contributor.” Other Significant Contributors are individuals who contribute to the development of a project but do not contribute a specified, measurable effort to the project.*

CSU investigators may be listed as a consultant on projects outside of CSU. Investigators should refer to the Academic Faculty & Administrative Professional Manual, Section D.7.6 Consulting prior to entering into a consulting arrangement. CSU employees wishing to engage in consulting for pay must make a full written disclosure to their immediate supervisor in advance of the planned activity and update their COI disclosure accordingly. Additionally, no University resources should be used for the consulting activities (i.e. CSU research administrators should not provide budget support, nor should there be any CSU costs in the budget).

*Check sponsor guidance for sponsor-specific classifications of personnel.