The activities of the Academic and Research Excellence Committee include, but are not limited to, developing system-level policy or initiatives to enhance the quality and national prominence of the constituent universities through the promotion of academic programs of distinction, increasing university research and research opportunities for students and faculty, and through the development of world class faculty and scholars. In addition, the committee is responsible for spearheading the System’s efforts to translate research into economic development, with input from the State University System Vice Presidents for Research.