The membership of COGR consists of qualifying research universities and research foundations. A research university is
characterized as an institution of higher education that gives high priority to graduate education and research and is
authorized to confer a doctorate degree.A research foundation is a separately incorporated foundation connected to a
research university. Currently, each member must have federally sponsored research expenditures of at least $15 million
annually as reported by the National Science Foundation. Affiliated organizations, including hospitals that meet these
criteria and are engaged in a substantial way in graduate education and research, may be considered for membership with
the endorsement of their COGR member institution. The Board must approve all applications for membership. The costs of the
Council’s activities are paid by its members through annual dues. COGR does not include professional associations in its
membership nor does it permit underwriting of its activities by commercial organizations. This policy serves to maintain
the independence required for the advocacy positions COGR offers on behalf of its membership.
Each university participating in support of the Council's programs is linked to the Council's operations by a Primary
Representative on its campus. These Primary Representatives serve as the focal points for consultation regarding positions
the Council may take on advocacy issues. The Primary Representative will also designate a number of professionals at his/her
university who serve as liaison. This serves the purpose of maintaining effective and mutually beneficial interaction between
COGR and the academic community on specialized subject issues. However, it is subject to the discretion of the Primary
Representative to decide the extent to which individual experts become involved in COGR activities. It is also the prerogative
of the Primary Representative to determine whether an individual should be nominated to serve on the COGR Board of Directors.
A single nomination is allowed from each institution. Nominations must be endorsed by the Primary Representative to assure that
the requisite time and support commitments can be met by the institution.