Canvas course name: Mandatory sponsored project and effort reporting training for principal investigators

The offices of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Vice President for Finance and Budget, with the support of VCU’s senior administration, have updated mandatory training programs in sponsored project compliance and effort certification to increase awareness and accountability and to reduce risk to the university. The inaugural training program began in 2012. New regulations and requirements are addressed in the updated training, which was released in 2016.

All principal investigators are required to complete this training program. Co-investigators are encouraged to complete the program as well. The training program is available on Canvas and should take approximately one hour to complete.

Canvas course self-enroll options:

1) Click on the following self-enroll invitation link: PI training self-enroll invitation link, or

2) Email Cathy Short (Training Manager, DSP/G&C, cfshort@vcu.edu) to receive a self-enroll link, or

3) Navigate to courses from your Canvas dashboard. Select “All Courses” and “Browse More Courses”. Search on the course name. Click “Join this Course” and then “Enroll in Course”.

VCU has an obligation to preserve public trust in the integrity and quality of its sponsored projects. Ensuring that our faculty and staff are aware of and comply with federal regulations and university policies strengthens that trust. We appreciate your willingness to participate in this program.

If you have any questions regarding this course, please contact Cathy Short (Training manager, DSP / G&C (cfshort@vcu.edu).

The offices of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Vice President for Finance and Budget have jointly sponsored the Sponsored Projects Administration Certification Program continuously since 2004/2005. The program, usually offered annually, has certified approximately 445 research administrators. The curriculum has grown to five modules and 27 units and, as a result, the time is right for an overhaul and recalibration. One major goal of the redesign is to create a standalone Introduction to Research Administration module that will be available online. Please contact Cathy Short (cfshort@vcu.edu), training manager, G&C/Division of Sponsored Programs, with any questions.

Grants and contracts accounting (post award basics training) – This instructor led training is offered several times a year and is designed for employees with less than one year of experience working with sponsored programs. The session provides those who are new to research administration an overview of grants and contracts policies and procedures and commonly used Banner forms. Completion of the Banner Basic Navigation on-line course in Talent@VCU is recommended prior to attending this training. Register for upcoming post award basics training sessions via Talent@VCU.

Effort reporting (basic) – This training is designed for effort coordinators with less than one year of experience working with effort and/or ECRT. The session will provide an overview of effort reporting, ECRT and compliance. Register via Talent@VCU.

Effort reporting (intermediate) – This training is designed for effort coordinators with more than one year of experience working with effort and/or ECRT. The session provides a more detailed view of effort reporting, ECRT and compliance. Register via Talent@VCU.

Getting started in research administration guide
This guide summarizes the many training opportunities and online resources offered by Sponsored Programs and Grants and Contracts Accounting. It is designed to acclimate those new to research administration and provides course descriptions, as well as registration instructions.

NIH and the Office of Extramural Research have made podcasts available that feature conversations with NIH staff members. The podcasts are designed for investigators, fellows, students, research administrators and others. The podcasts vary in length (between 10-20 minutes) and relevant subject matter and are updated every other week.

Please visit the "All About Grants" podcast website to download episodes or to subscribe to this service.