About the TRAC Process
The TRAC Process
Navigating the TRAC process? We're here to guide you through every step, ensuring that you're well-equipped with the insights needed to make informed decisions about your proposed solution.
What TRAC delivers
TRAC provides an in-depth advisory report which offers risk insights and mitigations. The report outlines potential risks across multiple areas, empowering you to be proactive.
TRAC is not an approval! This isn't a green or red light for your project. Instead, think of it as a map, highlighting potential challenges and terrain.
The Process and Timeline
In essence, TRAC's evaluation is about potential risks and organizational compatibility. We’re here to support, advise, and guide your journey, ensuring Western University's progressive and secure growth. Let’s innovate together!
Here's the process at-a-glance:
Step 0: Do I have to use TRAC? Attend a drop-in session and fill out the pre-assessment form.
Step 1: Engage with your vendor.
Step 2: Fill out the TRAC form online.
Step 3: Q&A with TRAC committee.
Step 4: TRAC evaluation period.
Step 5: Email follow up on Risk Rating and Mitigation steps.
Step 6: For medium and high-risk assessments, risk mitigation by project team and risk owner signoff returned to TRAC.
During the course of their review, TRAC crafts a comprehensive risk profile. This duration accounts for individual schedules of TRAC members and the depth of analysis.
From this assessment, your solution will fall into one of three buckets:
LOW RISK
MEDIUM RISK
HIGH RISK
Solutions tagged as LOW RISK are good to proceed and follow the recommendation of the committee.
MEDIUM and HIGH-RISK solutions will need further review, action by the project team, and authorization of risks involved by one or more Budget Heads (both Medium and High Risk) and Vice-Presidents (High Risk) who are accountable for the risk tolerance. Explore our sections for Researchers and Administrative/Operations units to understand the next steps and key details.
Operations vs. Research Track
Administration/Operations Track:
After TRAC provides its assessment, decision-making largely remains within your unit's leadership. High-risk projects might need endorsement from university's VP stratum. Some aspects like Legal, Privacy, and Financial may stretch beyond TRAC's purview. Learn more about the Administrative track.
Research Track:
Principal Investigators lead the charge here. TRAC’s role is advisory, highlighting potential risks and suggesting mitigations. Depending on the risks, PIs might need to liaise with Research Ethics, Legal, Privacy, and/or WTS. Learn more about the Research track.
Related Processes
While TRAC provides a risk report, other departments like Western Technology Services, Legal Counsel, the Privacy Office, and Financial Services might require additional steps or analysis. Each of these processes, though guided by the RAC report, operates uniquely. Learn more about related processes.
PLEASE NOTE: THE TRA PROCESS DOES NOT ABSOLVE WESTERN, DEPARTMENTS/UNITS, OR INDIVIDUALS OF OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY – RISKS THAT ARE ACCEPTED ARE STILL RISKS.
Engage with the TRAC process and embark on your projects with clarity and confidence. Remember, knowledge is the first step towards managing risks effectively.
