| Full Schedule | ||
| Date/Time | Session | Room |
| 3/11/2021 12:00 PM -to- 1:30 PM | The Research Administration Community Response to COVID: What is Happening Across the Country Adam Mertz Greg Smith Kaci Foster Jim Kemp Dave Usher Kim Ginn Mark Davis Marianne Woods
The Research Administration Community Response to COVID: What is Happening Across the Country - An Overview from our Yearlong Partners
Moderator:
Rosemary Madnick
Executive Director, Office of Grants & Contracts
University of Alaska-Fairbanks
NCURA President
Panelists:
Adam Mertz, Vice President of Marketing, Cayuse
Greg Smith, Higher Ed Consulting Manager, Huron
Kaci Foster, General Manager, Research Solutions, Kuali
James Kemp, Managing Director, Strategy & Analytics Consulting - Higher Education, Deloitte
David Usher, Senior Functional Analyst, Streamlyne
Kim Ginn, Principal, Baker Tilly
Mark Davis, Vice President & Partner, Higher Education, Attain
Marianne Woods, Program Director, Master of Science in Research Administration, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences Advanced Academic Programs, Johns Hopkins University
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Keynote/Closing Ceremonies |
| 3/15/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Keynote: Leveling the System: How to Appreciate Every Cog in the Wheel of the Research Enterprise Rosemary Madnick Ara Tahmassian Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick Research is one of the most effective means of identifying, addressing and solving our world’s challenges. But impactful research is more than just the brainchild of one individual researcher. It requires a robust enterprise, consisting of administrators, grant writers, researchers and more, to acquire the resources, conduct the research, ensure its integrity and promote the findings. Dr. Frederick will reflect on his own experience with research, his appreciation for every individual who participates in the research process and his recommendations to ensure research is used to improve social disparities across the United States. |
Keynote/Closing Ceremonies |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | An Unexpected Journey: Lessons Learned with New Types of Funding Brynn Tomlinson Elizabeth Truelove McDermott Basic In this session, we will provide an overview of new types of funding in federal awards. We will discuss critical infrastructure elements (positions, systems, processes, education) that organizations must have or develop to manage federally sponsored funding, and common challenges with new funding. We will share ideas on how to comply with a new set of regulations in an already highly regulated industry, including considering the impact of the CARES Act and other relief funding. Specifically, we will provide an overview of overarching federal requirements and sponsor-specific requirements in new funding scenarios, such as Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) and Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) funding, to discuss how your organization can prepare to receive new types of funding. Participants will receive an overview of basic HEERF, FEMA, and other funding requirements. Participants will understand the basic infrastructure requirements necessary to accept and manage federal extramural funding. Participants will share lessons learned when receiving new types of federal funding. None |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | The Expedited Closeout TJ Enno Carrie Feighl Amanda Ferguson Intermediate A successful award closeout requires a high degree of coordination and communication, especially to bring all the financial aspects to that ever-elusive goal: a $0 balance! Further, because getting to a $0 balance is such a challenge and falling behind on closeouts can lead to a backlog of expired awards, there are opportunities to take an expedited approach to financial cleanup. For those institutions with a building backlog, there are approaches that will allow you to clean large volumes of award closeouts with a limited number of steps. This session will review best practices, and alternative practices, to achieve that $0 balance goal in a streamlined, expedited and coordinated manner, with a focus on: -Business process and workflows, including financial status confirmation and tracking, hand-offs between departments, central post-award and billing teams. -Alternative reconciliation strategies and business processes to enable an expedited closeout approach. -Roles and responsibilities across the institution. -Managing invoicing and receivables using the expedited closeout approach. -Integration and coordination between final invoice submission, Letter of Credit Draw, and federal FF425 reporting.; -Effective use of technology to track pending financial and system clean-up transactions. -Means of tracking and communicating information. Participants will learn: -The processes and key stakeholders needed to financially and compliantly clean and closeout. -The various processes ó technical, financial and administrative ó that must coalesce into an effective award closeout function. -The necessary event chronology for the sponsor-required, system-based and workflow tasks. -The technological solutions and tools that can help them better manage the process and report performance metrics across the organization. Participants will want at least 2-4 years of post-award grants management experience with a sound understanding of fund accounting and award closeout. Additionally, participants should have knowledge and experience performing financial reconciliation and understanding financial statements requirements for a research institution. |
Central |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Auditing Clinical Trials: Go Boldly Forth! Theresa Caban Loisa Kalasa Advanced Participants will be introduced to different types of CT audits, how the audit may affect the research, and how to prepare for them. We will discuss internal, FDA and Sponsor audits, the implications and ramifications of different types of audits. We will provide practices for preparing and responding to audit questions and document collection. 1) Become familiar with different types of audits that impact clinical trials; 2) Understand how to set-up clinical trials to help manage potential audits; including contract language; 3) Utilize lessons learned to update CT policies and procedures. Participants will want an understanding of Clinical Trial processes, GCP and CT budgeting. |
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Cost Share and the Departmental Administrator: Documenting and Managing the Life Cycle Kay Gilstrap Katherine Kissmann Sinnamon Tierney Cost share can be simple or complicated or somewhere in between. Departmental Administrators are on the frontline of managing and monitoring cost share throughout the life cycle of the project. The discussion group attendees will address each otherís questions as best practices are shared regarding formulation, documentation and management of institutional and 3rd party contributions from proposal through closeout. Join us for a lively discussion! |
Departmental |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Participatory Action Research: Funding and Managing Saiqa Anne Qureshi Shanell Williams Overview Explore how to develop, engage and grow a research agenda with the community at the heart of the research questions. Do so using existing financial systems and developing new ones to manage the logistics of this community based participatory research initiative. Via the Case Study- Preterm Birth Initiative CA (PTBi-CA) Participants will learn how to fund participatory research. Participants will learn how to fund and manage community partners. None |
Diversity and Inclusion |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | NSF Update Jean Feldman Update NSF staff will provide a comprehensive review of what is new and developing at NSF including updates to the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and new developments with the proposal submission modernization efforts with Research.gov. Participants will learn about NSF agency priorities, proposed changes to NSF proposal and award policies and procedures and involvement in electronic initiatives, including advances with proposal submission modernization and Research.gov. Participants will want to be involved with, or impacted by, NSF policies. |
Federal |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Managing Horizon Europe International Collaborations Ioannis Legouras Overview Horizon Europe is the worldís largest research and innovation programme with the goal of keeping the EU at the forefront of global research and innovation. It is easy to assume that it is interesting only for European organisations, but this is not entirely true. Its diversity of funding programs offer ample opportunities for international collaborations. There is a great diversity of programs for different types of projects, numbers of partners and typed of organisations. In this session we will explore the different programs with a focus on how international participant can join Horizon Europe. 1. Navigate the structure and different programs of Horizon Europe. 2. Familiarize yourself with the application process. 3. Understand how international collaborations are possible in Horizon Europe. None |
Global |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Creating a System That Works and Can Be Followed Shameka Fahie Shuna McMichael Denise Wynn Have you ever started a new position and wondered, "How in the world did the person in this position before me manage these projects?" Or have you asked, "What system did they have in place to manage the departmentís projects?" Having a system in place to manage sponsored projects is vital especially when you think about compliance and audits. A system such workflow in the financial system or creating an internal shadow system or creating SOP and training guide. Having a good system in place that works will ensure checks and balance, awards are being managed properly and work is being completed timely and smoothly. In addition, having a good established system that can be followed if a position within the department/office becomes available. |
Human Capital |
| 3/15/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Foreign Influence & Export Compliance in Academia: Mitigating Risk in a Rapidly Evolving New World Janet Simons Adam Grant Kaci Foster Advanced With the Covid-19 pandemic, research administration offices have been forced to transition to a remote work environment. At the same time youíre navigating the many challenges related to working remotely, your institutionís research activities are facing increased scrutiny of foreign influence. Recognizing potential threats and red flags while having policies and compliance procedures in place to mitigate institutional risk should be considered a critical component for all research administration offices. Focusing on data management, we will discuss areas of foreign influence concern and how institutions can implement best practices to minimize exposure to violating export control laws and regulations. 1. What is foreign influence and why has it become such an important topic. 2. How to identify potential export control risk. 3. How to manage export control while working remotely. 4. Compliance policies and best practices for implementing control in order to mitigate institutional risk. Participants should have a baseline knowledge of the issues surrounding foreign influence in academic research. |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Practical Solutions to Improve Asset Management at Your Institution Mariana Traetta A. Chea Smith Mike Fister The discussion will be centered towards practical solutions that institutions can implement to improve Asset Management practices within their organizations. Participants will be encouraged to share successful policies and practices associated with all aspects of the Asset Management life cycle, including asset additions/acquisitions, disposals/retirements, inventory/property control, transfers, compliance, and F&A optimization. Moderators will help the audience ponder actionable items to implement at their institutions while following Asset Management Best Practices. The discussion will also include how universities are complying with existing Asset Management regulations given the current challenges associated with a remote work environment. |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Empowering and Driving Research Transformation in the Age of Zoom Kevin Cook Kellie Guentert Allison Philabaum Shah Advanced What does research transformation look like when conducted remotely with a focused approach? On separate efforts at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Temple University, we reimagined the central research office and transformed many core processes with the central goal of improving research administration services to all PIs and department administrators. At both institutions the staff were all working remotely during the transformation effort and improvements included organizational changes, process improvements, and implementation of a comprehensive research dashboard. Participants will learn options and strategies to support change when staff are working remotely. Participants will discuss lessons learned at their own institutions when faced with maintaining operations while effecting change in a remote environment. Participants will want a broad understanding of research administration and have worked in a central or department research administration office. |
Central |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Rapid Response Team (RRT); How to Expedite High Priority Studies for Pre-Award Approvals Sherry Coleman
Basic
In 2014, Emory was one of few institutions in the U.S. caring for patients with Ebola virus infection. Given the high rate of mortality, there was a need for emergency testing of experimental treatments for this condition. Emory created a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to approve studies of experimental therapeutics. Representatives from the IRB, the Office of Clinical Research, Grants and Contracts, and other offices as necessary worked in real time together and in parallel to expedite the study.
Although it is not feasible to create a rapid response team for every study, this is an example of how such outcomes can be attained through a common purpose, concurrent efforts by personnel at each of the offices, and strong coordination.
This presentation describes the steps taken to develop a standard procedure for successful achievement of rapid study launch.
Define the process for developing a Rapid Response Team (RRT).
Define the current RRT process for submission and steps for fast-track approvals of high priority studies at Emory University.
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Clinical/Medical |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Communicate Your Way Into Your PI’s Heart! Vanessa Lopez Tania Tost Aisol Ostos Basic Do you have lemons and want lemonade? Want to communicate your way to success? Join us for a lively session, which will explore the importance of effective exchanges with researchers at different stages of the funding life cycle. We will identify ways to improve working relationships with Principal Investigators (PIs) and share the potential for positive ripple effects. Listen to diverse lessons learned from the perspective of pre-award and post-award research administrators. Review ways to interact and understand best practices which will help turn "lemons into lemonade" even during the most challenging times. Participants will examine methods to effectively communicate with Principal Investigators (PIs). Participants will acquire skills to build rapport, confidence, and trust to actively engage with PIs. Participants will understand the benefits of building a strong working relationship with PIs . None |
Departmental |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Office of Naval Research Update Wade Wargo Update
Wade Wargo, Director, University Business Affairs will provide updates from ONR.
Participants will receive updates on ONR/DoD grant and contract policies
Participants should be familiar with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) as a funding entity.
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Federal |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Navigating U.S. Compliance for Foreign Organizations Elly Pineda Sinnamon Tierney Christine Chang Overview For non-US entities, receiving US federal funding can be very rewarding, but sometimes managing the funding can prove to be difficult. Whether you are a non-US institution receiving US dollars or a US institution with a non-US subrecipient, it is important to understand all parties involved may interpret aspects of the award terms differently. As a research administrator, having an understanding of the myriad of provisions in the Uniform Guidance, US regulations, US federal agency policies, and terms and conditions of the award can be useful to establish realistic expectations to manage the funding, build solid relationships and be good stewards of sponsor dollars while keeping our institutions in compliance. Overview of some common compliance areas non-US entities struggle with including effort reporting, travel, risk assessment, indirect costs, research compliance, cost-share, currency exchange rates, and VAT exclusion, etc. Including what regulations apply. None |
Global |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Leading Your Team in 2021! Engaged and Resilient Teams Faith Goenner Cynthia Sanchez Advanced A fun and fast-paced presentation focused on leading in 2021. We will discuss a leaderís role to ensure engagement and resilience of their teams in response to the pandemic and world events. We will share our journey and real-life experiences when facing challenges that there are no rule books for. Participants will learn about developing engagement on their teams. Participants will reflect on the importance of the value of engaged teams in times of crisis and uncertainty. Participants will learn how resilient leaders create teams that can adapt to change. Participants will be provided the confidence they need to solve problems without a rule book. Participants should be a manager or a manager-in-training. |
Human Capital |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Fringe Benefit Rates - How to Guide Mira Levine Cheresa Boston Shannon Gary Overview This session will include a panel of presenters who will discuss topics related to Fringe Benefit Rates. We will also discuss the how the provisions of the OMB Memo 20-17 related to extension of indirect costs might also apply to the fringe benefit rates covered under those indirect cost rate agreements. Participants will understand the difference between specific identification and pooled fringe rates and which would be more beneficial for your institution. None |
PUI |
| 3/15/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Key Changes and What They Mean for You: Uniform Guidance Updates Rebecca Hunsaker Ann Holmes The Uniform Guidance was revised by the Federal Government in November of 2020. It is important to understand how these changes may impact the administration of our sponsored programs. This session will highlight some of the most important updates. The presenters will provide you with a copy of the Federal Register with key clauses highlighted for your reference. |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/16/2021 11:30 AM -to- 12:15 PM | Tuesday - Live Roundtable Discussions Live Roundtable Discussions for Tuesday, March 16th! Click the topic below to join the live discussion in zoom! |
Live Roundtable Discussions |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Consistency in Award Management During a Change in Financial Systems Lauren Swindell Dorothy Johnson Intermediate Implementing a new financial system such as Workday requires institutions to change business practices and develop new processes and procedures. This session will explore techniques for maintaining consistency in award management during the change from one financial system to another. We will look at documentation challenges, how to adapt to changes in reporting capabilities, how shifting role responsibilities on campus impact the research administratorís responsibilities, and how departmental and central office administrators can work together to overcome these challenges. 1. Participants will learn techniques for applying policies consistently when the methodology has changed. 2. Participants will explore methods for documenting action taken on awards when reporting capabilities have changed. 3. Participants will learn strategies for adapting to changes in system capabilities and role responsibilities. 4. Participants will identify ways for departmental and central office administrators to work together to ensure successful award management during times of change. Participants should have at least three years of experience in post-award administration. |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Post Award – The Reality of Working Remotely Marchon Jackson Jaquion Gholston Basic In this session, we will discuss the current realities of working remotely in post-award offices during the pandemic. We will discuss the challenges of keeping up with billings, responding to sponsors, costing work, reporting, compliance issues, and special projects in the online office. We will also point out some possible solutions to these obstacles and share our thoughts around what the future of research administration remote work will look like. Examine different methods to keep teams engaged and working effectively in a remote environment. Discuss strategies to prioritize personal and professional deadlines in a remote environment. Learn best practices to stay compliant in post-award functions in a remote environment. Discuss strategies to identify process gaps that have resulted from working remotely and how to adjust to the new control environment. |
Central |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Dissecting a Clinical Trial Agreement Conor Flynn Joanna Brougher Katherine Leibowitz This session is a panel discussion covering highlights to look out for in Clinical Research Agreements. It is designed for an audience of attorney and non-attorney research administrators. The sessions includes input from attorneys on both the industry sponsor and site perspective. |
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | R01 Award Management Sheleza Mohamed Tamara Mills Intermediate Tips and tricks to successfully manage award. Participants will have a better understanding of the basic considerations. Participants will discuss regulatory framework. Participants will review monitoring projects and due dates. Participants will discuss corrections and updates. Participants will want a basic understanding of award life cycle. |
Departmental |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Building a Community of Practice Around Inclusive Excellence in Research Bonniejean Zitske Advanced Inclusive excellence is a very popular idea within higher education. How can we translate the tenets of inclusive excellence to the research enterprise and how can communities of practice help us get there? And by the way, what does identity development and a knowledge-based economy have to do with any of this? Join me to answer these questions and more! Learn what communities of practice are and how they fit within a university setting. Learn about inclusive excellence and how it relates to research. Learn how communities of practice can support inclusive excellence in research. A basic understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. |
Diversity and Inclusion |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | NIH Update Kristin Ta Kasima Garst Michelle Bulls Update Donít miss this opportunity to hear about what is new and what is being developed within the National Institute of Health's (NIH) programs, policies, and budgets. In this comprehensive review, participants will learn about the newest policy updates and how their respective institutions may be impacted. Upon completion of the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about new and existing policies and procedures. Topics include recent and upcoming changes to NIH policy, compliance requirements, and so much more! Participants will learn about NIHís budget priorities. Participants will learn about new policies and compliance initiatives. Participants will gain insight into current issues at NIH. Participants will want basic knowledge of NIH. |
Federal |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Research Administration: Opportunities in a Time of Crisis Stefania Grotti Ara Tahmassian Nada Messaikeh The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every segment of the society including the academic research enterprise. The closing down, or limiting of the on-campus, research activities has not only impacted the conduct of the research itself but has also greatly impacted the research administration infrastructure supporting the research enterprise. With majority of administrative functions being conducted remotely with staff moving off-campus; research administrators had to move quickly to adjust their operations to manage their research portfolios and devise new approaches to interacting with their institutional constituencies, national and international collaborators, industrial partners, sponsors, students, and vendors. Tin this session, three presenters from three different countries will present and discuss their experiences regarding how their challenges and opportunities during these unprecedent times. |
Global |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Establishing Connections and Building Bridges Deanna Hendrickson Calleen Roper Overview "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller No matter how skilled you are, there is only so much you can accomplish by yourself! Do you work at an institution where it seems like everyone works on their own island? Are you often challenged to determine how to interpret the regulations or wonder how others at your institution seamlessly gather information, host conferences, trainingís or other events? Come join us as we provide strategies and techniques to help you create, build and nurture strong collaborative relationships with colleagues within your institution and across the research administration community! -Clarification of different personality traits and how traits impact outreach efforts -Identify opportunities for internal and external communication, knowledge building and collaboration -Ways to create connectivity and increase productivity -Prioritize options and determine what outreach opportunities to focus on first By the end of this concurrent session, participants will: Better understand their personality traits; Learn techniques for recognizing traits in others to facilitate bridge building; Understand opportunities and ways to communicate in order to build knowledge and collaboration; Acquire techniques that will increase productivity and connectivity; Establish achievable strategies that can provide an impact on their work/life interactions. None |
Human Capital |
| 3/16/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | What About the SEFA? Debra Murray Albana Cejne Gabrielle Labayen |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Service Centers: Dealing with the Impact of COVID-19 Caroline Beeman Sara Bible David Schultz In this session, we will discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on service/recharge/core center operations and ways to mitigate those impacts. Participants should have a basic understanding of service/recharge/core center compliance issues. |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Creating Policies that Serve as a Pillar for Institutional Compliance Jill Mortali Jeffrey Silber Sonya Stern Intermediate Effective oversight and management of sponsored awards rely on building blocks of internal controls, Principal Investigators and research administrators who understand both institutional and sponsor rules and clear policies and procedures. Join us for this session to explore the elements of an effective policy, the process of developing policies to gain buy-in from stakeholders and how policies are implemented and maintained. Understand the fundamental elements of an effective policy; Learn about best practices for policy development; Compare key policies that should be part of your catalog of policies. Participants will want an understanding of research administration regulations. |
Central |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Budgeting for Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials Lynelle Cortellini Gabriela Anglon Lisa Wallace Intermediate As institutions look for ways to expand their funding portfolio in the current research environment, there have been increased efforts to partner with industry sponsors at academic medical centers and universities. While every clinical trial is different, there are some aspects of clinical trial budgeting that can be applied broadly, as well as techniques to negotiate with sponsors to arrive at a final budget on which all stakeholders will agree. This session will include strategies, best practices, and suggestions for navigating potential obstacles when negotiating trials. Presenters come from a varied backgrounds including university, academic medical center, central office, and department level roles. Participants will have a general understanding the industry-sponsored clinical trial budget life cycle from both central and department level perspectives. Participants will learn different budgeting and payment structures that may be encountered, including commonly budgeted fees. Participants will learn tips to working through the budget negotiation process. |
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Small Office Management Erin Blackwell Marcia Millet Advanced As research adminsitrators adjust to working in new environments, including working remotely, a hybrid between home and the office or being in the office when many are not, managers must adapt to support their teams in new ways. When the office is small and resources are limited, this is a huge pressure on the manager to ensure the team stay productive, 'job healthy' and 'job happy' as well as to keep the office productive. This session will discuss small office topics including organization, leadership, communication, innovations and improvements, challenges and benefits, staff placement, training, retention, metrics and evaluation. We will also brainstorm ideas for managers and teams to keep active and supportive of each other. Attendees will gain insight on the manger's role to oversee an effective small office through leadership, organization, staff development and retention, and evaluation. Participants should be in a manager's role and interested in exploring and sharing best practices for small office management. |
Departmental |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Overview of Application Preparation and Submission Kasima Garst Update
How do you get your great research idea to NIH for funding consideration? You must find an appropriate opportunity; prepare your application; submit your error-free application through Grants.gov to NIH on-time; and confirm NIH received it correctly.
Learn about the NIH grant application process and the NIH resources available to complete each step. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: • list the organization registrations needed for submission; • find a funding opportunity announcement; • format application attachments according to NIH rules; • discuss various documents that provide instructions for completing an application; and • state the broad steps required to prepare and submit a grant application to NIH.
None
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Federal |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Visualizing Indirect Costs at Foreign Institutions Tanoue Kan Masanori Onishi Yutaka Hara Overview The concept of indirect costs was introduced in Japan in 2001, and since then the importance of indirect costs in strengthening the academic capabilities of Japanese universities and research institutions has been increasing. However due to its short history and low visibility, the significance of indirect costs has not been widely recognized in Japan: some doners do not provide indirect costs for their collaborative programs with universities and their recipients are required to cover up part of the necessary costs by themselves or from other sources to conduct the project. To resolve this issue, Japanese research administrators as an interface of various stakeholders have been trying to prove the rationale for estimating minimal indirect costs and their appropriate usage. This session will present several case studies of accepting indirect costs from private enterprises at Japanese research-oriented national universities, based on the idea that indirect costs are not a benefit for the receiving organization alone, but an investment to drive forth industry-academic collaboration and to empower nation-wide science, technology, and innovation in the future. Learn overview of indirect cost system in Japan. gain insight on exemplary ways of relating indirect costs in countries where their significance has not been widely understood for strengthening research activities in universities. None |
Global |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Women in Leadership: Finding Your Path Sue Kelch David Lynch Michelle Schoenecker Advanced Women account for a significant percentage of the research administration workforce, yet only a small percentage hold leadership positions within the field. Couple that with the whirlwind changes brought up recently with the global pandemic, itís easy to feel like our new landscape has changed from bright horizons to shifting quicksand. The impact of working from home on womenís leadership trajectory is unknown - does the lack of in-person face time affect our leadership abilities or othersí perceptions of them? How can women advance their leadership trajectory in this new world? And how can women strengthen their leadership skills in the absence of in-person conferences and networking opportunities? This session will offer advice from experienced research administrators in leadership positions, and challenge you to change the conversation from what you can't do to what you can do. While focused on women in leadership, we also bring men into the conversation, as many of the principles to be presented are universal to setting leadership goals. Men and women in leadership positions can also glean insight regarding real issues that women face on their leadership journeys. Join us Participants will be able to name obstacles that hold them back from reaching their leadership potential and identify the strengths they bring to the table. Participants will be able to locate resources that can assist them on their leadership journey. Would you like to create personal goals to help you on your leadership journey? Are you willing to share your personal experiences and uplift colleagues? Participants will want to be a research administrator is striving for excellence in leadership. |
Human Capital |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Re-Imagining Research Administration in a Post COVID-19 Era Morakinyo Kuti Erika Cottingham Anika Bissahoyo As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, research administrators were suddenly forced to manage university activities remotely when the institutions shut down in March 2020. Presenters will describe their experiences at Bowie State University and Central State University, two historically black and predominantly undergraduate institutions. The institutions adapted policies and procedures to ensure effective continuation of externally funded activities. Presenters will also describe how the infusion of CARES Act funds increased their universityís appreciation of their sponsored programs offices. |
PUI |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Subrecipient Monitoring Compliance - What do Auditors Expect? Jennifer Mitchell Gabrielle Labayen Basic This session will provide an overview of the fundamental concepts of submonitoring compliance. What do the regulations require and how do you prepare for an audit? We will explore subrecipient monitoring roles and responsibilities across the institution, key processes to have in place during the life of the subaward, and how to identify appropriate subrecipient monitoring actions.
- Participants will gain an understanding of what subrecipient monitoring entails.
- Participants will learn key subrecipient monitoring regulations and how to prepare for an audit.
None |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/16/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | FDP Overview and Update Alexandra Albinak
This session will provide an overview of the Federal Demonstration Partnership, including the organizational structure, demonstrations underway and opportunities to participate.
Participants will learn about the current organization of FDP and the initiatives taking place. Participants will understand how they may participate in the FDP to help improve the research enterprise at their institutions by working with federal granting agencies in reducing regulatory burden.
Participants who work with Federal Agencies and are impacted by current and pending Federal Regulations will want to attend. A general understanding of these regulations is helpful.
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Federal_2 |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Timing is Everything - F&A Rate Extensions and Planning Your Next Base Year Carrie Hurney Erin Wallett Laura Scarantino Advanced Should we extend our current rate or prepare a new proposal now? This a common question raised by institutions, and there are various reasons why institutions consider or request F&A rate extensions. This session will provide an overview on the F&A decision points and critical factors when completing an extension analysis. This session will also introduce the Federal Guidance and the documentation needed for an extension request. Finally, we will discuss what institutions should do during their extension to prepare for the next base year and maximize the F&A rate calculation. Participants will learn about: Key metrics to review and analyze when determining whether an extension makes sense for your institution. The formal process and requirements for requesting an F&A rate extension. Practical strategies to consider when planning for the next base year calculation. A basic knowledge of F&A rates is helpful but not required. |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Inside the Black Box: Reporting, Analytics, and What Your PIs and Business Officers Really Need Noam Pines Saiqa Anne Qureshi Karim Hussein Metrics have become increasingly important in the field of research administration, as institutions grapple with the need to balance internal priorities with the demand of customers such as Principal Investigators and Business Officers. From a central office perspective, managers want to provide a lens into what is happening with particular transactions, while at the same time being sensitive to the time constraints associated with keeping records up-to-date. In the departments, RAs deal with separate pressures related to balancing pre-award activities with other responsibilities. In this discussion session, we will consider a number of questions related to navigating the complexities of analytics and reporting. What problem(s) are we trying to solve? How do the needs of PIs differ from those of Business Officials? What systems/software do you use to report out on what your staff is doing? What are some strategies that you have successfully employed to deal with increasing pressures around analytics? We will consider these questions and others in an effort to broaden our understanding of what PIs and Business Officers really need. |
Central |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Renewing the IRB Focus on Protection: The Ethics and Regulation of Clinical Research Quincy Byrdsong Advanced As human subjects research throughout history has resulted in global medical breakthroughs, the history of human subjects research has also been riddled with harm, exploitation, and the unethical treatment of individuals who either voluntarily or involuntarily subjected themselves to human experimentation. In an attempt to protect these individuals, regulations such as the Nuremberg Code and the Common Rule were written to prevent historical ills from resurfacing. While these regulations have been very instrumental in guiding the activities of the IRB, IRBs have focused almost entirely of compliance with the regulations and not necessarily the protection of human subjects. This session will revisit the genesis of the regulations governing the protection of human subjects were created and strategies on how the IRB can truly refocus its attention on protection. Review ethical considerations in human subjects research from an historical perspective. Identify particular areas of human subjects research where protections need to be emphasized. |
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Let’s Get Down with Commitment: Understanding Effort Reporting and the Impact on Departmental Research Administrators Kathryn King Kristin Gilchrist Bridget Battles Basic As academic institutions create new solutions to better track and manage effort reporting, additional administrative tasks are being assigned to departmental researcher administrators. As researchers are continually encourage to manage multiple research projects, keeping track of their effort is extremely important, as it ensures institutions remains complaint. In this session we will do a high-level overview on effort reporting, along with why correctly reporting effort matters. We will then do a deep dive on how departmental administrators can develop best practices and tools to reduce the administrative burden that effort reporting can cause. Participants will learn a basic overview of effort reporting. Participants will review challenges and best practices in effort reporting, along with being able to effectively communicate these to a sponsored projects office. Participants will learn new tools that can be used in reducing administrative burden during an effort certification period. None |
Departmental |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Diversity & Inclusion How Can I Help? Rashonda Harris Mario Medina Lamar Oglesby Almost everyone has heard the term "Diversity and Inclusion" but may not be clear on what this means for or to them specifically and many often wonder, how can I help? Diversity & Inclusion in a nutshell, is about empowering people by respecting and appreciating what makes them different, in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and national origin. Diversity allows for the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. This session will explore ways we can all play a part to support, help, understand and make a difference. |
Diversity and Inclusion |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Hot Topics in Post Award Administration Susan Sedwick Vivian Holmes Cynthia Hope Advanced Hopefully spring will bring hope for a return to a somewhat more normal work environments for our offices, normalizing of current hot topics and we will have moved on to the next big group of challenges. I will assemble and moderate a panel of senior level post-award administrators to present the next five biggest issues that will face our profession. After all, it is the Endless Frontier. Participants will be able to recognize emerging compliance concerns. Participants will be able to develop institutional strategies to be ahead of the compliance challenges associated with those. Participants will want an understanding of foreign influence concerns. |
Federal |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Quin et Ego - The Joy of Auditing Ellen Thompson Jonathan Gray Charles Shannon Overview As we all know, times have been hard across the globe in the last 12 months, but research administration hasn't stopped. If anything, researchers have used this respite to catch up" on their administration and as such we are as busy as ever. We along with a representative from a leading UK organisation will lead discussions in all things audit-related (Single Audit for foreign organisations H2020 audits for all organisations nuances of funding principles in COVID-19 times particularly for UK organisations logistics of remote audits tips for keeping team morale up and anything else that might be vaguely interesting. After all we do love grant audits! This session aims to bring some fun back into auditing, covering anecdotes and ways to compensate for remote working in 2020. We will encourage discussion, and aim to dispel the myth that auditors are the boring enemy. It will be helpful to have had experience of being audited. |
Global |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Engaging Research Administrators During Virtual Training Abby Guillory Tricia Callahan Overview Research administrators are keen learners, yet many are overwhelmed and distracted in the current remote environment. In order to be effective, virtual training must be personalized and engaging. This session provides tips on ensuring training is relevant and engaging so that learners are fully invested in their learning outcomes. Participants will learn to: Set expectations for learner interaction. Provide opportunities for learner engagement. Balance multimedia to enhance learning outcomes. Minimize distractions during virtual training. None |
Human Capital |
| 3/16/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | The COVID-19 Audit Vaccine: Building CARES Act and COVID-19 Audit Immunity Through Advanced Planning and Preparation TJ Enno Jeffrey Silber Roseann Luongo Intermediate Did your institution receive CARES Act funding or other funding related to COVID19? Did you institution take advantage of the research flexibilities as a result of COVID19? Each of these scenarios requires significant tracking, documentation, and justifications for institutions. This session will describe in detail the requirements and how your institution can internally assess and proactively prepare for an audit focused on CARES Act and COVID19 funding or flexibilities. In this session we will discuss tracking, documentation, and reporting mechanisms to assess and reduce institutional risk. Participants will learn up to date guidance for tracking CARES Act and COVID19 funding and flexibilities. Participants will learn effective tools to assess institutional preparedness for an audit. Participants will learn best practice tracking, documentation and reporting mechanisms. Participants will hear examples of real audits and lessons learned. Participants will want grants management experience with a basic understanding of grants compliance. |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/17/2021 11:30 AM -to- 12:15 PM | Wednesday - Live Roundtable Discussions Live Roundtable Discussions for Wednesday, March 17th! Click the topic below to join the live discussion in zoom! Leading in Times of Change - Leadership Practices That Have Worked for You and Your Team Managing Clinical Trial Sponsor Billing F&A Rate/IDC Proposal SHORT-FORM The Events of 2020 and Beyond: How You and Your Office are Encouraging and Welcoming Courageous and Challenging Conversations Working Successfully from Home - What is Working for You Incoming and Outgoing PI Transfers NIH Grants Financial Administration - Open Discussion of Questions and Solutions NSF Grants Financial Administration - Open Discussion of Questions and Solutions |
Live Roundtable Discussions |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Cost Transfers: How to Minimize Cost Transfer Risk Daniela Prelipceanu Roseann Luongo Basic This session will provide participants with an understanding of the risks that cost transfers present, explore the metrics they can use to monitor progress and what they can do to minimize risk. Presenters will cover examples of policies and procedures around cost transfers at institution level and the benefits of having such guidance available. There will be some time dedicated going over details about audits (internal auditís role and external audit's consequences - audits from sponsors). Presenters will briefly cover Uniform Guidance sections related to key business processes. The session will exemplify the benefits and importance of collaboration of all units within the institution of higher education with the common purpose of conducting business following guidance from sponsor and the Federal Government. Consequences of cost transfers on effort reporting will be highlighted during this presentation.
-Gain a better understanding of what cost transfers are and their risk.
-Identify useful metrics for evaluation of cost transfers.
-Discuss measures that institutions can take to reduce the risk of cost transfers.
-Policies and procedures around cost transfers.
None |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Getting Paid: Mitigation, Collection, and Innovation Saiqa Anne Qureshi Bridget Montour Getting Paid! How do you mitigate getting to collections, how do you collect efficiently and effectively if you aren't being paid? Understanding collections level including cash flow and payment delays, how to avoid collections including the impact of terms and conditions, metrics for collections including KPIs, how to calculate Aged A/R and the provision for bad debt, and how to work with stakeholders around collections issues. |
Central |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Financial Planning and Management of International Clinical or Observational Trials Amanda Fulbright Shannon Sweeney Laura Swisher Basic Research Administrators working on international trials face a great deal of challenges when dealing with both U.S and non-U.S. entities including smaller institutions and larger universities. Collaborating with both U.S and non-U.S. institutions produces many complications in budgeting, contracting, and management. This session will discuss some of the hurdles of working with a non-U.S. entity (language barriers, time zone differences, currency issues, and cultural differences). This session will also discuss complex funding arrangements as well as their intrinsic freedom and challenges (project support from public grants and private (industry and philanthropic/foundation) support, project support from multiple governments). Participants will be able to describe best practices for successful international contract management. Participants will be introduced to challenges in dealing with international finance, multiple funders and concerns when working on international projects. None |
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Reimagining Post-Award Research Portfolio Management Chavon Rosenthal Kelly Morgan Advanced Post-Award activities such as award/account setup, modifications, compliance monitoring, reporting, creating multi-year financial plans, and close-out can all be disconnected from Pre-Award activities. This disconnect creates challenges for RAs and PIs, such as missing or hard-to-find information, difficulty keeping up with changing rules, delays, and missed deadlines. Research teams need 5 things to help them get to a place of connection, transparency, and compliance. Join industry experts who will discuss those 5 things and how to get there, and get a chance to see tools and technology that can make a difference at your research organization. Youíll learn how to improve Post-Award financial management, compliance, and audits. This session will help participants improve how they collaborate between pre- and post-award offices, properly manage funding, and make data reporting and visibility easier for post-award research administrators. |
Departmental |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Issues Affecting Recruitment & Retention of a Diverse & Inclusive Workforce Marianne Woods Derick Jones Rashonda Harris Basic Diversity, Inclusion and Equity is a hot issue in our society and in Research Administration. There are many strategies and issues affecting the recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive workforce. A variety of issues will be discussed in this dynamic session such as: What can we do to increase diversity in our workforce? How do you deal with employment recruitment processes to minimize race, ethnic, and cultural bias? What retention strategies work for the retention of minority staff? What is subconscious bias and what can be done to minimize its effect in the workplace? Participants will be able to discuss issues affecting the recruitment and retention of minorities into the work place. Participant will be able to discuss issues concerning subconscious bias and what can be done to minimize its effect the workplace. Participants will increase their understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity in research administration. None |
Diversity and Inclusion |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | NSF Grant Awards and Cash Management Processes and Procedures Christopher Berner Jesse Simons Denise Martin Update This session will provide an overview of NSF's Grant Award and Cash Payment processes and procedures. It will also review awardees' responsibilities, common reasons for delays, and detailed information on cash management and baseline monitoring activities. Review the grant management process. Understand NSF Grant Award and Cash Payment process. Learn about awardee responsibilities and common reasons for delays. Identify baseline monitoring activities. Understand program income and reporting process. None |
Federal |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Busy vs. Productive, Maximizing Time Management Rashonda Harris Anne Albinak Georgetta Dennis Do you ever find yourself extremely busy all the time, yet at the end of the day you feel that you have been completely unproductive? Well this session is for you. In this session we will explore the difference between being busy and being productive. Being busy is frantic while being productive is focused. Being busy is fueled by perfectionism while being productive is fueled by purpose. Being busy is about being good at everything while being productive is about being great at a few important things. |
Human Capital |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Post-Award Infrastructure: What are the Mandatory Blocks Necessary to Build a Sustainable Office, Unit, or Department Shuna McMichael Denise Wynn Shameka Fahie Overview In my opinion, post-award administration is the foundation to minimizing audit findings, institutional financial liability, and possible research misconduct. A post-award office is much more than just another unit at the institution. I have learned, over my career, knowing the knowledge level and skillset of my post-award team and key players are the master keys to a successful post-award administration and management infrastructure. Define what services will be provided; Identify each role responsible for the services identified; Establish the expectant competency, knowledge level, and skillset for each role; Create a sustainability and succession plan. None |
PUI |
| 3/17/2021 12:30 PM -to- 1:45 PM | Compliance Supplement Part 6 as Step 1: Building an Audit-Ready Internal Control Framework Julie Luster Brad Johnson Marisa Zuskar Advanced Part 6 of the annual OMB Compliance Supplement provides guidance on how the internal control frameworks described by COSO and the Green Book can be effectively applied to those compliance requirements covered by the annual Single Audit. However, some institutions face challenges in actually applying this guidance to regular business operations, and therefore, face risk of findings of internal control deficiencies for major programs during audit. This session will remind attendees on the definition and approach to identifying major programs subject to audit, a refresher on the compliance requirements, and delve into specific examples of applying the guidance within Part 6 to compliance requirements. We will then take a look at a case study of how one institution developed a comprehensive, coordinated internal control framework based on Part 6 guidance to achieve a broader institutional impact and audit-readiness. Provide an overview of the determination of Major Programs as part of the Single Audit; Discuss approaches to evaluate internal controls in light of Part 6 of the OMB Compliance Supplement; Understand how one institution applied the guidance in Part 6. Familiarity with the components of internal control, as described in Part 6 of the OMB Compliance Supplement. Foundational understanding of the Single Audit process, compliance requirements, and audit of internal controls. |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Projecting Research Volume and Key Research Decisions Matthew Faris David Ngo Nick Schulte Intermediate
In this session, we discuss the data used for financial forecasting of sponsored program revenue as well as other research-related analytics to support management of the research enterprise. We discuss the best use of technology to support the development and presentation of research-related analytics and considerations related to COVID-19 impacts. We conclude with how to identify a roadmap and key factors when considering comprehensive research analytics.
Participants will receive an enhanced understanding of: 1) Financial forecasting of sponsored program revenue and COVID-19 considerations; 2) other research-related analytics and how they support the management of the research enterprise; 3) how to best to use technology to support the development and presentation of research-related analytics; and 4) how to identify a roadmap and key factors when considering comprehensive research related analytics
1. An understanding of the proposal submission and budgeting process along with knowledge of institutional and federal policies.
2. Experience in research administration and/or budgeting 3. Leadership role and involvement in organizational management.
|
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | How Do I Maximize O&M Components in a COVID-19 Environment Caroline Beeman Shelly Benson Advanced In this session, we will discuss the O&M component of the Facilities and Administrative rate calculation in the COVID-19 environment. This session will present how institutions can utilize best practices to mitigate risk and optimize recovery. The impact of COVID-19 on the O&M components; How the O&M sub pools can be structured to maximize the rates; What the federal F&FA reviewers are saying about how to deal with these impacts.
-The impact of COVID-19 on the O&M components
-How the O&M sub pools can be structured to maximize the rates
-What the federal F&FA reviewers are saying about how to deal with these impacts
Participants should have a working understanding of how O&M cost pools are allocated to other cost pools and how cross allocations work. |
Central |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Preparing Communities for the Post-COVID Era: Vaccine Trials and the Ethics of Representation Quincy Byrdsong Allecia Harley, MPH
Quincy and Allecia invite you to join their conversation on the ethics of clinical research, connecting with BIPOC communities, and encouraging vaccination while supporting individual choice.
|
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Allocability Among Multiple Projects: Strategies and Methods for the Departmental Administrator Tolise Dailey Anne Albinak Carrie Chesbro Allocating costs to one sponsored project is difficult, adding costs to several projects can be overwhelming. When this occurs, the costs should be allocated in the same proportions as it benefits each award while adhering to sponsor guidelines and institutional policies. This session will provide methods, strategies and tools to assist departmental administrators who manage the purchases of services and goods that benefit multiple awards. |
Departmental |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Does Racial Disparity Exist in Research Administration? Results of the Research Administrator Stress Perception Surveys Jennifer Shambrook Celeste Rivera-Nuñez Tameria Mace Overview Using the Research Administrator Stress Perception Survey (RASPerS), we will look at minority group distribution within research administration and compare it with US census data. We will look at the incidence self-reported peer and supervisor support and the presence of bullying as compared between minority and majority groups. Other factors considered will be career advancement and salary. We will close with a discussion of what might be done as individual colleagues, supervisors, and influencers regarding this important topic. 1. Increase awareness of current racial demographics in research administration. 2. Inform participants of trends within minority groups with respect to recruitment an retention. 3. Consider possible actions to create more inclusivity within RA work teams. None. |
Diversity and Inclusion |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Tracking Commitments: from Submission to Closeout Nancy Lewis Megan Vu Jason Park Update This session will focus on the commitments that faculty and institutions include in proposals submitted to federal sponsors, required or voluntary, and how those commitments are tracked from submission to closeout. The presenters will focus on commitments such as effort, equipment, third party cost share and in-kind resources. We will discuss identifying commitments that should be tracked and methods for documenting and tracking those commitment throughout the lifecycle of an award. Identifying commitments in federal proposals. Methods for documenting commitments at proposal and award stage. Methods for tracking commitments throughout the lifecycle of an award. One year or more in pre award or post award administration. |
Federal |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | The Role of the Post-award Administrator in Foreign Influence Compliance Susan Sedwick Ara Tahmassian Jim Luther Advanced Addressing foreign influence concerns does not stop with pre-award and the post-award office has a critical role in monitoring throughout the life cycle of a project. Effective strategies go beyond a one and done" approach and educating post-award and departmental staff can expand your capabilities to provide oversight. I will assemble a panel of senior post-award administrators who have played an active role at their institutions in foreign influence compliance." Participants will understand the types of issues that may arise post hand-off from Pre- to Post-Award units. Participants will be able to develop educational programming for Post-Award and departmental staff. Participants will want an understanding of foreign influence concerns. |
Global |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | What the Certification for Research Administrator (CRA) Can Do for the Research Administrator's Career, Community and Institution Sue Kelch Danielle Smith Overview What the Certification for Research Administration (CRA) Can Do for the Research Administratorís Career, Community and Institution Professional Development Track, Intermediate Concurrent Session Participants should have preferably three yearsí professional experience in research and/or sponsored programs administration. The role of the research administrator has taken many forms over the years with the expansion of science and research both domestically and internationally. Along with this dramatic growth and diversity of research comes complicated legal and regulatory requirements, complex and difficult to navigate bureaucracies, and the increased demand for public accountability. Indeed, the research enterprise today is vast and the knowledge and skills needed and required by a research administrator encompass a broad spectrum. Obtaining a CRA is a clear way to show that you have demonstrated achievement of an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts and regulations for administering research. Gain knowledge about the CRA. Understand the CRA exam expectations. Learn eligibility requirements for the CRA. Take methods of promoting the CRA back to their institution.\ None |
Human Capital |
| 3/17/2021 2:00 PM -to- 3:15 PM | Leveraging Data Analytics to Drive Research Compliance Ashley Deihr Basic As research administrators are asked to oversee increasingly large and complex portfolios, it can become difficult to monitor the sheer volume of transactions being processed to ensure compliance with sponsor regulations and award terms and conditions. You may feel bombarded by the potential for financial non-compliance from every side- Office of Inspector General audits, Single Audits, investigations and settlements, and non-compliance with your own policies. Where do you start in identifying where your red flags are, and how do you address them timely? In this session we will walk through best practices to harness your financial data to identify your biggest risk factors, monitor for potential issues, and efficiently and effectively resolve instances of potential non-compliance. We will explore practical solutions for institutions of all sizes and budgets, with a focus on how data analytics and monitoring can be implemented in a scalable manner. Participants will be able to identify key risk factors for financial non-compliance, informed by recent audits and settlements. Participants will be provided detailed lists of potential metrics and red flags to monitor. Participants will discuss best practices in monitoring governance, roles, systems, and protocols. None |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Research Core Facilities: Pandemic Costing Strategies Martin Smith Andres Chan Advanced During ordinary times, costing for research core facilities can pose many compliance, budgetary, and operational challenges. Adding constraints for idle research time, campus dedensification, and other challenges related to the pandemic will require short-term and long-term strategies. This session will explore the financial costing compliance hot topics in the pandemic era and offer strategies to navigate these issues. Participants should have a basic understanding of federal costing compliance guidelines, and familiarity with research core facilities (including service centers and recharge centers). |
Accounting/Finance |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Strategies for Planning an Effective Space Survey Amy Tsang David Beckstrom Michelle Schardein Basic Space planning and optimization has become an important research strategic plan to many institutions especially in preparation for a F&A proposal base year. This session will discuss the key decisions, data sets, tools and personnel required when planning for a space survey (in-person and virtually). The presenters will discuss an ideal timeline and the various campus communications that need to be aligned to conduct a successful survey. In addition, the session will cover the responsibility of a selected surveyed department and an ideal approach to complete the survey successfully. Participants will gain an understanding of an ideal timeline for space survey planning and execution. Participants will be able to recognize how to engage key stakeholders for an effective space survey. Participants will be introduced to various tools that can be used during the space survey process. None |
Central |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Balancing Efficiency with Compliance within the Clinical Research Revenue Cycle Mary Veazie Nora Yin Intermediate Clinical research revenue cycle operations often challenge institutions with balancing efficiency and compliance as they strive to expedite the availability of important and novel therapies to patients while also minimizing the risk assumed by running these trials. The addition of a global pandemic that has shifted key administrators to a remote work environment brings further challenges to getting trials up and running. This session aims to educate our audience on ways to reducing time to activation (TTA) by a significant margin while acknowledging key compliance measures and managing a fully remote staff. Additionally, this session will include discussions surrounding the steps following study initiation by examining leading practices throughout the research patient enrollment, regulatory, and clinical revenue cycle processes. Participants will learn how a leading institution is working towards reducing clinical trial TTA. Participants will learn strategies to increase efficiencies throughout the clinical research revenue cycle (i.e., Pre- and Post-Award Functions, IRB, etc.). Participants will learn the requirements of creating a compliant clinical research billing program. Participants will learn leading practices for monitoring clinical research billing risks while working from home during the COVID-19 time. Participants will want a working knowledge of clinical research operations and federal compliance regulations. |
Clinical/Medical |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Centralized/Decentralized-College/Departmental Workflow (Feast or Famine: Keeping PIs on Track) Amy Thomas Georgetta Dennis Intermediate |
Departmental |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Managing Federal Awards: An Overview of Recent Uniform Guidance Changes and What It Means for You Karina Ramirez David Scarbeary-Simmons Angela Garvin This is an exciting time for research administrators who manage federal awards. The recent changes to the Uniform Guidance, foreign influence requirements and a myriad of other change, will impact the work that research administrators do. These important changes impact research administrators at all levels of the organization. Please join us for a lively discussion that will provide a high level overview of these and other significant changes. |
Federal |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Global Fellowship Laura Bilbao Olive Giovannetti Edward Wiedemann Laura Bilbao from Texas Tech University, and Olive Giovannetti with Edward Wiedemann from the University of California San Francisco will come together to discuss their experiences as NCURA Global Fellows. They journeyed to Australia and Switzerland’s Host institutions to receive training on best RA practices, learn about different cultures, and strengthen ties with the RA international community. They will share their experiences regarding preparation for the fellowship application process. They will also give their insight on what to expect after selection, the planning of the trip itself, in-country activities, and post-fellowship takeaways. Finally, they will touch on how to maintain a strong relationship with new international colleagues and how to make the fellowship the most rewarding experience you can have as a Research Administrator. |
Global |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Leading Organizational Change Tolise Dailey David Schultz Carrie Chesbro Overview Research administrators are placed in a difficult role when they are both the architect of structural change and in charge of implementing the restructuring. Their actions and outcomes will fundamentally transform how central administration, principal investigators, and department administrators do their jobs. This session will focus on organizational change and the human capital impact it has on the research community. Participants will learn to develop roles and responsibilities from a human-centered perspective. Participants will learn to address people's natural resistance to change and how to address it. None |
Human Capital |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | What if We Get the Grant? Pre-Award Strategies for Post-Award Success Jon Teuber Megan Cantwell Danielle Insalaco-Egan Advanced The process of successfully administering grant funding begins long before award acceptance. Effective proposal development includes not just a strong application, but also a sound plan for managing Post-Award reporting requirements, adhering to regulations, and meeting the sponsorís expectations for award management. This all requires excellent coordination between the project director, the Pre-Award administrators who support submission, and the Post-Award administrators who support project execution and tracking. Minimizing surprises ensures that the individuals in each of these roles are prepared to meet one anotherís expectations, and those of the funding agency. This session will explore both standard expectations and those that are less common and more challenging. Presenters will share their experiences in PUI sponsored program leadership to provide attendees with a model of planning for award management success prior to application submission. Participants will learn to implement strategies for Pre-Award and Post-Award colleagues to work with each other, and with project directors/PIs, to plan for award management requirements. Participants will be bale to develop pre-submission proposal development, review, and communication structures that incorporate post-award management considerations. None |
PUI |
| 3/17/2021 3:45 PM -to- 5:00 PM | Foreign Influence: Balancing International Collaboration with Managing Foreign Influence Risk Roseann Luongo Jim Luther Scott McGaunn Intermediate This session will be presented as a panel discussion with several partners to outline the benefits and risks of international collaboration related to foreign influence. Participants will be able to identify the key risks related to foreign influence. Participants will be presented with measures to take to balance risk while still supporting international collaboration. Participants will want a basic understanding of research administration. |
Regulatory Compliance/ Audit |
| 3/17/2021 5:15 PM -to- 5:37 PM | Closing Ceremonies Rosemary Madnick Sinnamon Tierney Timothy Schailey Kathleen Larmett Join NCURA Executive Director, Kathleen Larmett, NCURA 2021 President, Rosemary Madnick, and FRA Co-Chairs, Timothy Schailey & Sinnamon Tierney for a recap of fun moments from the 2021 FRA Conference. |
Keynote/Closing Ceremonies |