New Effort Period FAQ
ECU is the changing the effort reporting schedule to reduce the number of times throughout the year that employees are required certify effort on sponsored projects.
Effective January 1, 2021, effort on sponsored projects will be certified three times each year. The effort reporting periods will correspond to the Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters. The reporting cycles will open after the semester ends and remain open for six weeks. Reducing the number of effort reporting periods is expected to reduce administrative burden, reduce the number of effort reallocations, and make it easier to account for teaching in the effort calculation.
To further reduce the administrative burden of effort reallocations, it is recommended that investigators access their grant information in the PI Portal each month and verify that the appropriate amount of effort is assigned to the sponsored projects.
The Compliance Monitoring & Strategic Initiatives team in REDE will be sending updates on training and new guidance as it becomes available. If you have questions please visit ORA SOP site rede.ecu.edu/oraintra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
ECU is moving form a quarterly-based effort cycle to a semester-based effort cycle. From reporting four times a year to three times a year. This will reduce administrative burden and better align effort with university calendars.
When will this change take effect?
The new effort cycles will begin January 2021. This reporting period will be Fall ‘20 semester. The certification deadline will be six weeks after the Fall semester effort cycle opens in January.
How often do the effort reports have to be certified?
The effort reporting cycles are semester based. At the end of each semester the effort cycle will open the following month. Fall cycle 8/16-12/31 will be available for certification in January. Spring cycle 1/1-5/15 will be available for certification in June. Summer 5/16-8/15 will be available for certification in September.
How long do I have to certify?
The typical effort certification window is open for six weeks. After that the cycle will close and effort during that period will not be recorded in the ERS/Effort Reporting System.
What should I do if I am leaving the University or extended leave?
Before a faculty member’s separation from university employment, they should review PI portal payroll salary reports for themselves and those for which they are directly responsible to confirm effort has been properly charged. Necessary changes should be initiated immediately for funding changes. Communication to the appropriate supervisor and departmental effort pre-reviewer of the correct reportable effort, via email is helpful during the open cycle.
When will the new cycles open and what pay periods will they include?
- Fall effort cycle will include payroll dates 8/16-12/31. This cycle will open in January.
- Spring effort cycle will include payroll dates 1/1-5/15. This cycle will open in June.
- Summer effort cycle will include payroll dates 5/16-8/15. This cycle will open in September.
11/30 & 2/28 previous effort cycles will be separated and terminated