Sponsored Project Online Training
Sponsored Project Online Training (SPOT) is a series of online on-demand training offerings that resulted from a partnership between Sponsored Research and an advisory committee of representatives from various departments.
- SPOT courses are short (20-to-30 minute) interactive videos that introduce learners to key concepts in the sponsored project lifecycle and are designed for those who are new to research administration.
- Microlearning modules are short videos that address specific topics and help guide viewers through a process in more detail than a job aid.
All online offerings are presented via Northwestern’s digital learning platform, myHRLearn. Click on the course titles below to find out more and access registration links.
Introduction to Sponsored Research
Learning objectives: 1) Define sponsored research, 2) Explain why institutions engage in sponsored research, 3) Identify the players involved in sponsored research, and 4) Identify the sponsored project lifecycle phases
A Beginner's Guide to Sponsored Project Solicitations
Learning objectives: 1) Demonstrate how a solicitation provides guidance for developing a sponsored project proposal; 2) Critically evaluate a solicitation for eligibility and feasibility; 3) Identify main components of a solicitation and essential structural information; 4) Discuss supplementary information and how to acquire it
Proposal Development and Submission
This course is temporarily unavailable while it is being updated.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the standard administrative components required for all proposals.
- Understand how to fulfill internal Northwestern University and sponsor-based requirements to create complete administrative components.
- Understand how proposals are reviewed by the Northwestern Sponsored Research office and are submitted to sponsors.
Proposal Budgets 101
Learning objectives: 1) Define key terminology related to budgeting; 2) Explain how to calculate salary cost and fringe; 3) Explain how to chose the correct indirect rate and how to calculate indirect costs correctly; 4) Outline introductory strategies / process for budgeting
Proposal Budgets 102
Learning objectives: 1) Explore in greater detail topics introduce in Proposal Budgets 101, including revising a budget, selecting the correct F&A rate based on project type, and budgeting for special direct cost categories; 2) Introduce additional key budget terms and concepts
How to Read an Award Document
Learning objectives: 1) Identify key information in an award document; 2) Recognize the type of an basic features of the funding mechanism that has been awarded; 3) Be able to use an award document to determine the actions required to fulfill obligations to the sponsor
Setting up an Award
Learning objectives: 1) Define terminology relevant to award set-up; 2) Verify that all required elements are in order so that an award can be set up; 3) Understand with which offices and resources you will need to interact throughout the set-up process
Budget Management Basics: Projections & Reconciliations
Learning objectives: 1) Introduce the learner to relevant terminology and tools; 2) Provide an overview of the processes of budget projection and reconciliation; 3) Discuss the importance and relevance of budget management to administering a sponsored award
Award Closeout Basics
Learning objectives: 1) Understand the responsibilities of different participants in the closeout process; 2) Be able to access and use tools that facilitate closeout; 3) Identify the actions and documentation required for closeout to occur
Microlearning Modules
Description: Learn how to complete the required administrative components and successfully develop and submit a “No Tears NRSA” application
Total viewing time: 13 minutes
Description: Learn about the subcontract invoice routing process, the roles and responsibilities of those involved, and the required data elements on a subcontract invoice
Total viewing time: 9 minutes