Electives

Attending ERA Electives is a great way to obtain new knowledge and tools in research administration, and stay updated on both MSU and agency policies and procedures. Once you have obtained your initial ERA Certification, you will need to attend two (2) ERA Electives every calendar year in order to keep your certificate active.

Registration

Online registration for the ERA series is available by registering in Ability at orrs.msu.edu/train.  Please enable pop-ups from Ability in order to access the course registration pages linked below.  

Questions on the ERA Series, Registration or Certification/Recertification Status?

Please Contact the SPA Training Team
Amy Bane, SPA Training Program Developer: barteram@msu.edu
Erin Schlicher, SPA Project Manager: schlic11@osp.msu.edu

Notes:

• Please discuss your attendance with your supervisor/manager prior to enrolling and secure their verbal approval.

• If a session is full and you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email Amy Bane at barteram@msu.edu.

Electives Course Descriptions

Audits

Intermediate

The audit process can be intimidating, and it is often very time consuming.  Learn about what documentation you should keep during an award, the audit process, and lessons learned from recent audits.

Beginners Hands-On Budgeting in KR

Entry Level

Learn how to create a proposal budget using MSU’s research administration system, Kuali Research (KR). This course will take you through live examples where you will be guided through creating your own budget. Prior budgeting knowledge is strongly recommended prior to taking this class.

Departmental Post-Award Account Management

Entry Level

You will be able to locate information and templates for day-to-day management of a grant account, including steps you should take when you learn about a new award, how to set up an encumbrance system, tips to work more effectively with the PI, managing subcontractors/consultants, rebudgeting, and end of grant processes. The course is facilitated by CGA with a panel of post-award administrators from across campus.

Effort Reporting & Cost Share

Entry Level

Come learn about effort reporting and cost share from our experts.  This course will cover how to include these items in your proposal, monitor them during an award, and what steps are needed for award closeout.  We will discuss budgeting and certifying effort, required and voluntary cost share, and how to make changes during an award. 

Export Control

Intermediate

Do your researchers send controlled items, materials, software, or data outside of the U.S.? Do they work or collaborate with citizens of other countries? Does the research from your department quality for the fundamental research exemption? The staff from Export Control and Trade Sanctions will share up-to-date information from their office.

Fee-for-Service & Service Centers

Advanced

Following this training, you'll be able to describe the Fee-for-Service model including activities/service center and the role they play at the university and in research. Learn to incorporate Fee-for-Service activities/service centers into proposals and awards, and how rates are established.

Hot Topics in Research Administration

All Audiences

Learn what is new in Research Administration. Topics will vary. As you have learned by now, this is an ever changing world with new rules and regulations from the federal government. Stay on top of the latest news in your professional field.

Intellectual Property

Intermediate

What is intellectual property?  What is an invention?  What is a patent?  What is a copyright?  What is the difference?  Learn how and why intellectual property is important to research administration.

NIH & NSF Agency Specifics

Intermediate

This first 2-hour portion will cover: types of NIH projects; characteristics of an NIH proposal, such as the modular budget and eRA Commons; and how to manage NIH awards at the post-award stage, including progress reports and prior approvals.The last 2-hour portion will cover: types of NSF projects; characteristics of an NSF proposal, such as how to budget participant support cost, to use Fastlane; and to manage NSF awards at the post-award stage, including progress reports and prior approvals.

Post-Award Receivable Process and Financial Transactions

Intermediate

Learn how to create a proposal budget using MSU’s research administration system, Kuali Research (KR). Learn about the process of receiving payments on RC and RG accounts. Review financial transactions to gain a better understanding of which KFS document type to use and what documentation is typically required.

Proposal Development in KR

Entry Level

Learn how to create a proposal and route it for institutional approval in MSU’s research administration system, Kuali Research (KR). During the course, instructors will review the business processes and perform step-by-step demonstrations of the functionality. Participants will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned through classroom exercises.

Reporting and Data Collection

Intermediate

Sponsored program data is complex and critical to multiple audiences across the University. Following training, you will be able to request and/or run a greater variety of reports, knowing what is available in Business Intelligence/Cognos, as well as a brief tutorial on how to design and share queries in Query Studio. This is an Elective in the Essentials of Research Administration (ERA) series offered by SPA and SPROUT.

Subawards

Entry Level

Do you know how to write a proposal to include a subaward?  Do you know what documentation and reporting is needed from your sub-awardee?  Come learn these things and more from our OSP and CGA subaward groups.

University Procurement and Logistics for Research Administrators

Entry Level

The University Procurement and Logistics team will discuss all aspects of their unit and how they can support MSU research projects. Topics will include: Procurement, Accounts Payable, Capital Asset Management, University Stores, Logistics and Mail Services. As possible, a facility tour will also be provided at the end of this training session.

ERA eLearning - Contracts and Other Agreements

Advanced

This course is delivered electronically through D2L. Contact the SPA Training Coordinator to access the course. Department of Defense (DOD) agency specifics and nonfederal agreements will be covered. What is a DFAR/FAR? How is DOD different from the other federal agencies? Learn about the types of agreements industry and nonfederal sponsors use, such as master agreements, and fixed price versus cost reimbursable agreements.

ERA eLearning - International Research I

Intermediate

This course is delivered electronically through D2L. Contact the SPA Training Coordinator to access the course. Get acquainted with international research administration. Participants will learn the unique differences in international research, and where to obtain the information needed for a successful project. Presenting offices/topics will include: Export Controls & Trade Sanctions, Residential Housing Services, University Services, Office of International Students and Scholars, Payroll, and Office of Research Regulatory Support.

ERA eLearning - International Research II

Intermediate

This course is delivered electronically through D2L. Contact the SPA Training Coordinator to access the course. Get acquainted with international research administration. Participants will learn the unique differences in international research, and where to obtain the information needed for a successful project. Presenting offices/topics will include: Complex Budgeting & Accounting (OSP/CGA), International Health & Safety, Office of Risk Management, and Accounting.