R.A.I.S.E. Core Series
The R.A.I.S.E. (Research Administration Information Sharing and Education) training program is led by Carnegie Mellon’s own subject matter experts covering a wide variety of research administration topics, as well as the processes and procedures unique to CMU. The R.A.I.S.E. Core Series is not currently being offered. View the R.A.I.S.E. Individual Sessions webpage for stand-alone training information.
Core Curriculum Series
How to Read a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) / Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
Nov. 6, 2024, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Natlie Mumich, Senior Proposal Analyst, Office of Sponsored Programs
- Kelly Downing, Assistant Director, NREC Contracts and Partnerships
Description
Responding to a Research Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or Request for Proposal (RFP) requires careful preparation and attention to detail while adhering to inflexible submission deadlines. This session will provide the participant with guidelines to assist in understanding the eligibility requirements, submission requirements, and specific instructions. The session also aims to provide the participant with best practices for cost volume development, formatting guidelines, representations/certifications (including data assertions), exceptions to terms and conditions, and subcontractor documentation/requirements.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Budgeting for Sponsored Research: A CMU-Led Collaborative Proposal to the National Science Foundation
Part 1: Nov. 21, 2024, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Part 2: Nov. 26, 2024, from 9:30 - 10 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Kelly Widmaier, Knowledge Transfer Manager, SCS Dean’s Office
- Beth Hockenberry, Pre-Award Manager, Office of Sponsored Programs
Description
This is a two-part session that will demonstrate the budgeting and application process for a collaborative proposal submission to the National Science Foundation (NSF) with CMU as the lead institution. In addition to budget development, topics include communicating with the PI, the non-lead institution, and OSP, as well as the SPARCS proposal record, the research.gov application, and other documents required for the submission. Attendees will receive a budgeting assignment at the end of Part I. Part II will address any common mistakes found in the assignment and end with an open Q&A.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Contracts for Non-Lawyers: Demystifying Research Related Contracts
Dec. 3, 2024, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Julia Sobol Dzurino, Associate Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
Description
Contracts are an integral part of research operations. In this session we will provide individuals from various backgrounds with the essential knowledge they need to navigate and understand contracts. This session is tailored specifically for research administrators and others staff who encounter contracts but might find the legal jargon and intricacies overwhelming.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Conflicts in Research: Overview and Updates
Jan. 15, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Stacey Becker, Research Integrity Manager, Office of Research Integrity and Compliance
Description
This session will present an overview of recent and anticipated changes in the regulatory landscape for conflicts of interest and commitment, as well as current CMU processes for conflict of interest and outside activities disclosures.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Management of Research Awards—Departmental Best Practices
Feb. 6, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Kristen Geiger, Assistant Director, Sponsored Research Administration, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Description
This session will review the roles of the department research administrator in award management. This includes tips for project set up in ORACLE, downloading and analyzing data from PowerBI / Decisioncast, forecasting labor, clean up and preparation for closeout.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Managing Sponsored Awards—Central Post Award View
Feb. 18, 2025, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Autumn Slobe, Manager, Sponsored Projects Accounting
Description
We will discuss SPA’s role and responsibilities in managing sponsored awards. Topics include compliance with applicable CMU policies, interim financial reporting, cost share requirements, cost transfers, subrecipient invoicing, task funding issues, and making the most of your SPA/departmental meetings. We will review tools and resources available to department administrators.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Sponsored Project Accounting’s Award Setup Process
Feb. 27, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Tiffany Fitzgerald, Principal Accountant, Sponsored Projects Accounting
- Matt Duffey, Principal Accountant, Sponsored Projects Accounting
Description
In this session, attendees will be given an overview of SPA's process to set up a new award within the Oracle Financial System. We will go over each of the Oracle fields used to set up a new award and how we determine what to choose, based on the sponsored award.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Subawards in Sponsored Research
Mar. 5, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Ian Bietler, Contracts Analyst, Office of Sponsored Programs
- Aleksandra Yudelson, Contracts Analyst, Office of Sponsored Programs
Description
This session is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes, guidelines, regulations, and best practices for issuing and managing subawards. Subawards play a crucial role in collaborative research by enabling Carnegie Mellon to leverage specialized expertise and resources from partner institutions. However, effectively navigating the complexities of subaward management is essential to ensure successful project outcomes while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This session will cover the essential components of a subaward, including scope of work, budget, terms and conditions, reporting requirements, intellectual property consideration, and adhering to § 200.332 Requirements for pass-through entities.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Conducting Research with Human Subjects and Animals
Mar. 20, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Jennifer Koehrsen, Director of IRB & IACUC, Office of Research Integrity and Compliance
- Anthony Noone, Manager, IACUC, Office of Research Integrity and Complaince
Description
This session will provide an overview of the CMU IRB and IACUC focusing on what department administrators and staff should know to support human and animal research in their departments.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Walkthrough of SPA’s Award Closeout Process
April 1, 2025, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Autumn Slobe, Manager, Sponsored Projects Accounting
- Emily Ayala, Senior Cash Accountant, Sponsored Projects Accounting
Description
This session will explain how an award closeout is performed in SPA. We will walk you through what takes place from the time the reconciliation is started, through final billing, and end at the point when the award status can be changed to 'Closed'. We will also provide tips that can help make the process more efficient and review SPA's financial reconciliation.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Data Security in Research
April 16, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Laura Raderman, Team Lead, Policy and Compliance Coordinator, Information Security Office
Description
Protecting Data during Research is important to both the sponsor and the researcher. This discussion talks about common research security requirements we come across, how to engage the ISO for assistance and key words that may indicate that a particular data security requirement may be part of a proposal.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Introduction to the Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation (CTTEC)
May 1, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Jacob Greenberg, Senior Manager, Business Development & Licensing, CTTEC
- Khrys Myrddin, Sponsor Compliance Manager, CTTEC
Description
CTTEC is responsible for facilitating and accelerating the movement of research and technology out of the university and into the marketplace. The session will cover some introductory aspects of IP created from research, our commercialization approaches, and the sponsor compliance function of CTTEC.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Overview of the Office of Sponsored Programs Agreement Types
May 14, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Sam Crytser, Contracts Officer, Office of Sponsored Programs
- Sarah Thompson, Contracts Officer, Office of Sponsored Programs
Description
A general overview of the most common agreement types that OSP reviews and negotiates, as well as a brief description and common issues OSP often sees in each.
Registration
Required via FocusU
Understanding the Audit Process and Expectations
May 20, 2025, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. via Zoom
Presenters
- Christine Lamanna, Manager, Cost Analysis and Audit
- Teri McCort, Assistant Director, Cost Analysis and Audit
Description
Join us for an insightful training session focused on demystifying the audit process for sponsored projects. This session aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of what to expect during an audit, ensuring a clear understanding of the process and expectations. Boost your confidence in managing sponsored projects and ensure compliance with regulations while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Registration
Required via FocusU