Pathway to Research Administration

The PRA is designed to deliver training on the core principles of research administration – beyond (but including) “hands on” training in common grant management tasks. These topics are organized into four modules – each addressing a major facet of research administration.

• Module I – Regulatory Environment
• Module II – Pre-Award Fundamentals
• Module III – Post-Award Fundamentals
• Module IV – Close-Out & Effort

Each module will consist of several classes (60-90 minutes). Each class will take learners through a related series of focus areas with defined competencies, skill sets, resources, and policy guidance.

For information about which classes are appropriate to staff with specific roles and responsibilities, see our Training Crosswalks.

Module I – Regulatory Environment

Sponsored programs are characterized by multiple, often overlapping, types of rules and regulations. Module I introduces participants to the basic principles which underly the practice of research administration.

Class A – Sponsored Project Basics

1. 1. What is a Sponsored Project?
   2. Types of Sponsored Projects
   3. Responsibility for Compliance
   4. ECU Structures
   5. ECU Portfolio

Class B – Sponsor Structures and Regulation

1. 1. Federal & Non-Federal Agencies
   2. Types of Regulation
   3. Sample Regulations

Class C – Uniform Guidance

1. 1. What is the Uniform Guidance?
   2. Structure of the Uniform Guidance
   3. Key Sections of the Uniform Guidance

Module II – Pre-Award Fundamentals

Creating and submitting project proposals which are accurate, compliant, and feasible is a crucial institutional process. Module II addresses the key steps by which a project idea is matched with a potential sponsor, developed into a practical proposal, and routed for approval and submission within the university.

Class A – Finding Funding

1. 1. Funding Searches
   2. Sponsor Websites
   3. Navigating the Program Announcement

Class B – Proposal Budgeting

1. 1. Types of Budgets
   2. Budget Line Items
   3. Calculating Personnel Costs
   4. Consortium Costs
   5. Cost Sharing
   6. Calculating F&A
   7. Building Budget Justifications

Class C – Routing & Submitting Proposals

1. 1. Building Proposal Document
   2. Routing Requirements
   3. eTRACS Overview
   4. Sponsor Submission Systems

Class D – Additional Pre-Award Topics

1. 1. Conflict of Interest
   2. PI Status
   3. F&A Waivers
   4. Proposal Status & Just-In-Time Requests
   5. Preparing for an Award

Module III – Post-Award Fundamentals

An awarded sponsored project represents a significant commitment by the university. The project must be implemented, managed, and monitored. Timely narrative and financial reports must be prepared and submitted.  Module III addresses requirements and resources integral to sponsored project management.

Class A – Award & Project Setup

1. 1. Notice of Award (NOA)
   2. Award Setup at ECU
   3. PI Meeting
   4. Budget Review
   5. Banner Overview

Class B – Spending Sponsor Funds

1. 1. ECU Expenditure Processes
   2. Personnel (ePAFS)
   3. Prior Approval
   4. Documentation

Class C – Proactive Award Management

1. 1. Burn Rates
   2. Reconciliation
   3. Cost Transfers
   4. Management Portals

Class D – Other Post-Award Topics

1. 1. Subrecipient Management
   2. Cost Sharing
   3. Responding to Audits

Module IV – Close-Out & Effort Reporting

The end of a sponsored project is a crucial period in which the results of the project are documented and the expenditure of all funds are carefully reported. Module IV addresses these processes and, further, provides additional detail on the key processes of effort management.

Class A – Effort Management

1. 1. What is Effort?
   2. Effort Reporting
   3. Salary Cap
   4. Change in Effort

Class B – Renewals, Extensions, & Carry Forward

1. 1. Carry Forward Request
   2. No-Cost Extensions
   3. Progress Reports
   4. Financial Reports

Class C – Closeout

1. 1. Spending Down
   2. Preventing Late Activity
   3. Leftover Equipment & Supplies
   4. Final Reporting
   5. Residual Balances