The GACG assists with business and administrative questions and issues that arise when conducting global work. It was established to streamline processes, provide clear recommendations, and reduce the administrative burden on faculty and program leaders, allowing them to focus on their research and academic activities. This approach aligns with the University's strategic initiatives and supports global mobility informed by institutional priorities.
The GACG serves as an advisory group to Notre Dame’s Vice President and Associate Provost for Internationalization and University leadership. It coordinates administrative and operational aspects of global activities and develops recommendations and solutions for the Notre Dame campus community.
Assistance for Faculty and Program Leaders
Notre Dame 2033 emphasizes the University's role in addressing national and international challenges by thinking and acting as one institution. It positions global engagement as a key focus for the next decade, much like research development was in the previous one.
However, as international research and operations expand, faculty and staff leading global projects face increasing administrative complexities that may detract from their core teaching and research goals. Tasks such as hiring personnel, managing finances, opening bank accounts, and navigating contract authorizations abroad demand significant time and resources. These challenges are compounded by the growing complexity of the regulatory environment, shaped by diverse legal systems, emerging technologies, and global issues like cybersecurity, staffing abroad, and geopolitical tensions.
When planning an international project, what factors should be considered?
- Legal Presence Abroad: Ensuring we have the right legal structure outside the U.S.
- Compliance: Adhering to U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations.
- Purchasing and Payments: Setting up financial transactions and managing expenses.
- Space Planning: Finding and managing space for international operations.
- Global Employment: Process for hiring and managing personnel abroad.
- Gift & Grant Administration: Identifying pathways for sponsored and internally funded activities that may not be available otherwise.
- International Agreements: Ensuring appropriate agreements are in place for international collaborations.
- Reporting, Audit, & Tax Obligations: Complying with all in-country tax regulations, including Value Added Tax (VAT), employment, and corporate taxes.
- Technology and Communications: Solutions for maintaining effective communication and technology use.
- Safety: Ensuring the safety of faculty and staff while traveling internationally.
Who are the members of the GACG?
The GACG is comprised of representatives from various departments, ensuring comprehensive support, expertise, and diverse perspectives.
Standing members include representatives from:
- Notre Dame Global
- Finance
- Audit & Advisory
- UOES—Safety
- Human Resources
- Institutional Research Innovation and Strategy
- Notre Dame Research
- Office of General Counsel
Meeting participation may include additional advising attendees depending on the topic discussed.
When does the GACG meet?
The GACG typically meets on the first Wednesday of each month, from 9 to 10:00 am ET, to review submissions and discuss ongoing projects.
How do I submit a request for assistance?
To submit a request for assistance, please fill out the GACG project submission intake form.
What happens next?
Once your request is submitted, the GACG will:
- Review Your Request: Examine your submission and, if necessary, invite you for a consultative meeting to learn more about your problem statement and discuss your request.
- Provide Guidance: You will receive feedback outlining recommendations and the relevant University offices that should be consulted to implement them.
- Global Projects: At the request of University leadership, the GACG will take on global projects that are strategically important and involve notable financial, compliance, or operational considerations. The GACG aims to provide recommendations that help leaders make well-informed, strategic decisions.
Who should I contact?
We are excited to make this group the best it can be. For general questions, please email the core group at gacg-list@nd.edu.