ReADy: Research Administration Development Program

The number and dollar value of sponsored project activity at Boise State University has grown exponentially in recent years. Meanwhile, award terms and conditions have increased in complexity, new financial management systems have been implemented, and business processes have changed. Business managers and departmental administrators are expected to provide support to faculty who are seeking and managing sponsored projects; however it is often difficult for them to stay abreast of rapidly-changing regulations and policies within the Boise State University, the State of Idaho and the Federal Government.

At a meeting of business managers in August 2018, attendees cited as two of their highest priorities training and standardized best practices for sponsored project management at Boise State University. While professional organizations such as the National Council of University Research Administrators and the Society for Research Administration International provide training, content is typically limited to high-level concepts. Research administration professionals need to know how to apply these concepts in the context of Boise State University’s systems and policies.

The Research Administration Development Program (“Program”) is a two-year training program designed to offer peer training, leadership opportunities, and mentoring experiences to college and department-based research administration professionals. Participants are expected to attend three half-day training sessions per year, co-present at least two topics related to research administration in the two-year period, and serve as a resource to incoming participants after completing the second year of the program. Additional expert lead presentations will be provided to the Program Participants during lunch-time sessions throughout the two-year period. Participants are also expected to assist with creating written best practices for managing sponsored projects at Boise State University.

1. Create a knowledgeable cohort of college and department-based research administration leaders.
2. Offer practical training on basic-to-advanced research administration concepts and how they are applied within Boise State University’s systems and processes.
3. Create a corps of mentor-leaders as departmental and college-based research administrators.
4. Develop, document, and maintain best practices for use as training and development materials.

By applying to the Program, applicants commit to the following participation requirements:

1. Attend all three conference sessions offered during the year.
2. Lead or participate on a team to develop and present at least two topics related to research administration.
3. Agree to be listed as a program participant and serve as a resource to other research administrators.
4. Participate in the development and dissemination of written best practices and training materials.
5. Participate in activities such as surveys and feedback sessions designed to continuously improve the Research Administration Development Program.

The Program is open to any interested departmental and college administrator responsible for day-to-day administration of sponsored projects. Depending on interest, Program capacity may be limited.

To apply, please obtain approval from your Supervisor to participate in the Program and complete the web-based application form.

Applications for the 2022 cohort are due by close of business, March 25, 2022. Selected Applicants will be notified by March 29, 2022. All new participants are invited to join the Spring ReADy Meeting from 9-12 on Monday, April 4.

If you missed the March 25th deadline, the Program will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis. Please use the application links above to apply to participate in the Program.

Kickoff Meeting: March 31, 2022 from 12:00-1:00

Half-Day Mini-Conferences:
Monday, April 4 from 9:00-12:00
Date TBD in July 2021
Date TBD in November 2021

Sample Half Day Mini-Conference Agenda:
9:00-9:05- Welcome
9:05-9:20- Keynote speaker
9:20-10:00- ReADy Participant Presentation: F&A Allocation
10:00-10:40- ReADy Participant Presentation: Grant Allocation Methods and Best Practices
10:40-10:50- Break
10:50-11:20- OSP Presentation: Roles and Responsibilities of PI, BM/DA, and OSP
11:20-11:40- Case Study Breakout Session
11:40-11:55- Case Study Discussion/Questions
11:55-12:00- Announcements/Adjourn

If you have any questions about the Program, please contact the ReADy Program Coordinator, Cara Greenlee (caragreenlee@boisestate.edu).