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Announcements

  • The call for session proposals and speakers will be made July 24th, 2025. Please submit by August 20th, 2025 for consideration for this year's agenda.
  • Past Symposia materials can be found under the Past Symposia dropdown above.

9th Annual Symposium for Research Administrators

Thursday, November 7th, 2024 - Union South

Page Updated: July 21, 2025

Schedule at a Glance

7:45 - 8:30 am
8:30 - 8:45 am
8:45 - 9:30 am
9:30 - 9:40 am
Concurrent Sessions 9:40 - 10:40 am
  • Workday: A Glimpse Into The Future Marquee (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description

    In this session, attendees will learn:

    • Recommended actions to take to be prepared for Workday conversion
    • Major ATP activities to expect in the coming months
    • Significant changes impacting Sponsored Programs
    • Key Workday Reports for Sponsored Programs
    Presented By
    • Crystal Jones, ATP Grants Management Design Lead
    • Bridget Montour, ATP Sponsored Billing and Receivables Design Lead
    • Mark Sweet, RSP Interim Assoc. Vice Chancellor for Research Administration
  • Thriving Through Transitions: Understanding personal dynamics of organizational change Industry (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    In today’s fast-paced world, the amount of change we experience is ever-increasing. However, it’s not the changes themselves that challenge us the most—it’s the transitions. Changes and transitions are not the same, and understanding this distinction is crucial for navigating life’s uncertainties. Join us for an interactive session designed to equip you with practical tools and a robust framework to manage transitions effectively. This session will delve into strategies for overcoming resistance to change and building resilience in yourself and your team, enabling you to thrive even in the most turbulent times.
    Presented By
    • Jenny Erickson, Capacity Building Lead, Office of Strategic Consulting
    • John Graves, Associate Internal Consultant, Office of Strategic Consulting
  • UW Conflict of Interest & Conflict of Commitment for Research Administrators Landmark (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    As Research Administrators, we often encounter the terms Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment, particularly in relation to external activities undertaken by our researchers. But how well do we understand the "Who, What, Where, and Why" of these concepts? This session will cover UW’s Policies for Conflict of Interest & Conflict of Commitment, the related requirements and processes behind them and what you can do as a Research Administrator to help ensure that your researchers are in compliance and know to where to look for the “Who, What, Where and Why”.
    Presented By
    • Tammy Kuhn Martin, Assistant Dean for Research Administration, College of Engineering
    • Brigid Daly, Senior University Legal Council, Office of Legal Affairs
  • Navigating Limited Submission Opportunities for External Funding Agriculture (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    We will describe what limited submission opportunities are and how to determine if an opportunity is truly limited. Session will include discussion of what do to if your PI is interested in a limited submission opportunity, where these opportunities are posted and who is responsible for the process. Procedure for grant programs that limit the number of proposal submissions per campus will be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss sponsor-specific guidelines related to limited submission opportunities.
    Learning Objectives
    • Determine what constitutes a limited submission opportunity.
    • Know what to do if a PI is interested in applying to an opportunity that limits the number of proposals UW-Madison can submit.
    • Understand the process for determining which proposals can go forward to the funding agency.
    Presented By
    • Amber Jensen, Divisional Research Administrator, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
    • Steve Flaherty, Research Administrator, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
    • Nick Novak, Assistant Dean for Research Services
  • Getting Involved with NCURA and/or UW RED Program Traditions (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    There are many paths to get involved in the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) as well as the Research and Education Development program (RED). In this session we will discuss several ways of getting involved, from volunteering to serving on committees. Note that this session is an opportunity to ask questions, so please come armed with questions for discussion. After attending the session, participants will be able to follow a roadmap to increase their involvement in NCURA and RED.
    Presented By
    • Melanie Hebl – Assistant Director of Research Collaboration, Office of Sustainability
    • Sandy Fowler – Assistant Dean for Research, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
    • Kristin Harmon – Intellectual Property Disclosure Manager, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
    • Stephanie Wilbrand, PhD – Multi-Functional Research Administrator Manager & Clinical Research Manager, Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health
  • Compliance Basics for the Research Administrator Northwoods A (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Protocol requirements, training requirements, and export controls are just a few of the very important aspects of successfully managing compliance in research. This session will help you sort through it all. In this presentation I will explain animal use, biosafety, human subjects, and other approvals. I will also discuss Conflict of Interest (COI), Conflict of Commitment (CoC), compliance in RAMP, and common issues that can delay project setup.
    Learning Objectives
    • Get to know the three big committees; IACUC, IBC, IRB and when their approval is required.
    • Learn tips for managing the Compliance Review page in RAMP for a seamless project setup.
    • Understand the basics of Export Control Regulations, Outside Activity Reports (OARs), and training requirements.
    Presenter
    • Sarah Johnson-Schlueter, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Research Division
  • DHHS Salary Cap: A Quick Primer from Proposal to Effort Certification Northwoods B (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    The Office of Management and Budget limits how much of a base salary someone can be paid on a grant with DHHS awards. Employees paid over this base salary rate need their salary adjusted on the grant. This can impact multiple aspects of grants management, including proposal budget, payroll compliance, and financial reporting. Please join us for a discussion on an overview of the DHHS salary cap, best practices on how to handle proposals including employees over the cap, and more!
    Learning Objectives
    • Understand salary cap terminology, including what awards are impacted.
    • Proactively managing the DHHS salary cap including creating a proposal budget including employees who are over the cap
    • Learn about the “cap gap” and how this is displayed in ECC
    • Learn about the current and future processes for calculating and loading “cap gap” (AKA “over the cap dollars”) into ECC
    • Find resources available to determine allowable salary on grant and what should be on non-sponsored.
    Presenter
    • Bridgett Molinar, Research Administration Manager, School of Medicine and Public Health
    • Jennie Bell, Campus Effort Compliance Manager, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
10:40 - 10:50 am
Concurrent Sessions 10:50 - 11:50 am
  • Uniform Guidance Revisions Marquee (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Earlier this year, the Office of Management and Budget published revisions to Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 2 CFR Part 200 (the Uniform Guidance) governs federal financial assistance agreements. Effective October 1, 2024, the 2 CFR revisions address statutory requirements and aim to reduce agency and recipient burden, while also incorporating plain language, improving flow, and addressing inconsistent use of terms. Come hear about some of the major changes and how they may impact proposals and awards, as well as the evolving implementation landscape.
    Presented By
    • Jennifer Rodis, Director of Strategic Support, Research and Sponsored Programs
  • Capital Expenses: From Software to Shipping & Fabrications to Facilities Industry (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    In this session, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of capital expenses. The definitions of capital expenses, assets and fabrications will be clarified, and associated costs of capital expenses will be thoroughly explored. Participants will gain an understanding of when to budget software, installation costs, facilities work, training, animals, in-transit insurance, $.50 nuts and bolts used in fabrications, and more as capitalized “equipment.” Additionally, participants become more familiarized with specific terms and conditions surrounding capital equipment, as well as titling and disposition restrictions. Ultimately, participants will be better equipped to discuss the various facets of capitalized equipment with PIs, departmental financial specialists and accountants.
    Presented By
    • Cha Ying Lor, Financial Associate Director, Property Accounting
    • Zach Smith, Research Administration Manager, Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • From Dodging to Drafting: NIH DMS Plans Landmark (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Learning Objectives:
    • Learn about the NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy and any related updates.
    • Learn about the steps and content needed to create a DMS plan.
    • Excel at DMS Plan related trivia.
    • Participants will leave more confident in advising or assisting their faculty and researchers about NIH DMS Plans.
    Presenters
    • Jennifer Ramsey, CRA, Research Administrator, Department of Medicine (DOM) in the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH)
    • Christy Schulz, MS, Research Administration Director, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH)
  • Using Microsoft SharePoint as a Communication Tool in Research Administration Agriculture (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Microsoft SharePoint is a powerful, yet easy-to-use tool that UW-Madison has made available for all employees. RSP uses Microsoft SharePoint both internally and to share up-to-date information and data with Compensation Compliance Coordinators across campus. In this session, we will use the Employee Compensation Compliance Hub as a case study of how using SharePoint could benefit your day-to-day work.
    Learning Objectives
    • Using the ECC CCC SharePoint Hub as a case study, learn how SharePoint can help you with communication and collaboration across campus.
    • Learn about the features available in SharePoint and how to create a site.
    • Use this session to brainstorm ways you could use SharePoint as a tool to meet your goals.
    Presenter
    • Jennie Bell, Campus Effort Compliance Manager, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
  • Balancing Act – Prioritizing workloads with multiple demands and deadlines Traditions (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Do you ever feel like you have trouble managing your workload with so many demands, deadlines, and other responsibilities? If so, this discussion session may be for you! This will be an interactive guided discussion with practical tips and tricks, along with some other topics on staying organized and on track. Come with ideas and things that work well for you or just come and listen to learn from others. Topics will include using calendars and task management software to help manage workloads, and to go over other software solutions. In addition, the discussion will also cover how to manage demands and ideas for how to prioritize new and existing responsibilities. Come prepared to share and listen!
    Presenter
    • Aaron Crandall, Director, Social Science Research Services, College of Letters and Science
  • Excel Hacks for Budget Preparation Northwoods A (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Join us for an engaging session focused on Excel hacks specifically designed for the grant budget preparation process. We will introduce users to some key foundational concepts of Excel and formula-building. In addition, we will review some lesser-know capabilities, saving valuable time and ensuring accuracy in your budget. We will demonstrate some practical examples, and along the way we will introduce you to some fast and easy excel hacks to jump start your Excel journey.
    Learning Objectives
    • Understanding Budgets: Illustrate the concepts behind how cell references and formulas work together.
    • Imporiving Budget Preparation: Streamline the budget planning process to ensure data consistency.
    • Increasing Accuracy & Reliability: Implement techniques for comprehensive error checking in budget spreadsheets.
    • Practical Examples and Uses: Demonstrations and real-life use cases will illustrate how to put the concepts into practice effectively.
    Presenters
    • Catherine Shults, Research Administrator, Department of Mechanical Engineering
    • Chrystin Schultz, Pre-award Research Administrator, Dean’s office in the College of Engineering
  • Research Administration Hot Topics Northwoods B (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Research administration is every-changing. Policies, procedures, systems change, and we change with them. Join us to discuss hot topics in the field – Federal updates (COGR, FDP, etc.), Research Security, Uniform Guidance changes, and much more. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the discussion by bringing their own perspectives on these topics. There will be opportunities to contribute and ask questions throughout the session.
    Presenters
    • Mark Sweet, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Bob Gratzl, Interim Associate Director of Preaward, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Angie Johnson, Assistant Director of Postaward, Research and Sponsored Programs
11:50 am - 12:50 pm
Concurrent Sessions 12:50 - 1:45 pm
  • Workday: A Glimpse Into The Future Marquee (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    In this session, attendees will learn:
    • Recommended actions to take to be prepared for Workday conversion
    • Major ATP activities to expect in the coming months
    • Significant changes impacting Sponsored Programs
    • Key Workday Reports for Sponsored Programs
    Presenters
    • Crystal Jones, ATP Grants Management Design Lead
    • Bridget Montour, ATP Sponsored Billing and Receivables Design Lead
    • Mark Sweet, RSP Interim Assoc. Vice Chancellor for Research Administration
  • Understanding Budgets, Budget Justifications, & Post-Award Implications Industry (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    The accuracy of the budget and justification submitted to a sponsor at proposal time can have important consequences in the post award sphere, from having enough money to complete the work, to allowability of expenses. In this session we will look at important factors to keep in mind while preparing budgets and justifications. Special attention will be given to common budgeting pitfalls, how what happens at the proposal stage affects the life of the project post-award, and how to handle modifications along the life of the project.
    Learning Objectives
    • Budgets: Identify major factors in budgeting, including cost considerations, rates (salary, fringe, F&A, and internal user fees), internal and sponsor templates, and best practices when collaborating on budget development across campus.
    • Justifications: A budget narrative is a crucial component of grant proposal. Learn how to develop a detailed budget narrative that serves to explain, justify, and contextualize the financial aspects of a project; and that enhances transparency, demonstrates alignment with project goals and compliance with funder requirements, instills confidence in grantors, and supports post-award implementation and understanding.
    • Post-Award: Learn about budget flexibility, Research Terms and Conditions, common pitfalls, and how to deal with changes that happen between proposal submission and when the award is made, as well as changes over the lifetime of the award.
    • Recognize Common Budgeting Challenges: Identify common challenges and errors in budgeting and strategies for overcoming them.
    Presenters
    • Lori Uttech-Hanson, Pre-Award Research Administrator, Department of Urology (SMPH)
    • Courtney Griese, Research Administrator, Cell and Regenerative Biology
  • Things I Wish I Knew When I Started: Lessons Learned as a Research Administrator Landmark (3rd Floor)
    Panel Members:
    • Alyssa Gerarden, Research Administrator, Center for Healthy Minds
    • Carolyn Lipke, Research Administrator, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
    • Jessica Murnane, Research Administrator, College of Engineering
    • Andrew Waskow, Research Administrator, Civil & Environmental Engineering
    Moderator:
    • Erin Goeldner, Associate Director, Research Administration, College of Engineering
  • NIH T32 Administration Updates: Preaward changes and Postaward Q&A Agriculture (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    This session will cover recently announced T32 program announcement updates per NOT-OD-24-129 from NIH as well as an interactive session for T32 postaward management. Participants will learn briefly about changes for proposal development in the update section; as well as be able to test their knowledge of T32 post-award concepts and ask questions.
    Presenters
    • Sarah Pavao, Director, Office Training Grant Support (SMPH/OVCR)
    • Jenny Dahlberg, Director, Research Administration (School of Veterinary Medicine)
  • Open panel discussion around the Certification Examination for Research Administrators. Traditions (2nd Floor)
    Description
    We will discuss our decision to get our CRA accreditation, our process and how long it took us to study, and any other helpful information about the exam and the benefits of having your CRA. This is an open forum.
    Presenter
    • Shelia Hayden, CRA, Research Administrator, L&S
    • Calleen Roper, CRA Associate Director of Research, Department of Medicine
  • Tracking, Reporting, Dashboards, and More! Smartsheet Solutions for Research Administration Northwoods A (3rd Floor)
    Description
    Are you looking for a better way to track your day-to-day work? Capture metrics? Create reports and dashboards? Automate? Integrate data from multiple sources? Smartsheet- a no-code, cloud-based platform available through DoIT- could be the answer! This session will offer a brief overview of Smartsheet and will focus on live demos and solution-building based on pre- and post-award solutions developed by the Cancer Center for clinical trials management.
    Presenter
    • Jenny Dawson-Tibbits, MHA, Clinical Research Finance Manager, UW Carbone Cancer Center
1:45 pm - 1:55 pm
Concurrent Sessions 1:55 - 2:50 pm
  • Uniform Guidance Revisions Marquee (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Earlier this year, the Office of Management and Budget published revisions to Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 2 CFR Part 200 (the Uniform Guidance) governs federal financial assistance agreements. Effective October 1, 2024, the 2 CFR revisions address statutory requirements and aim to reduce agency and recipient burden, while also incorporating plain language, improving flow, and addressing inconsistent use of terms. Come hear about some of the major changes and how they may impact proposals and awards, as well as the evolving implementation landscape.
    Presenter
    • Jennifer Rodis, Director of Strategic Support, Research and Sponsored Programs
  • Research Development for the Research Administrator: Working Hand in Hand Industry (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    We all know it takes a lot to build a quality proposal—but what can you do to help? With the world of funding growing constantly more interdisciplinary, translational, and competitive, research administrators can be an important ally to the PIs and their teams in crafting winning proposals. This session will introduce you to the definitions and vocabulary of research development, help you understand why it matters, and give you tools to utilize it in your day-to-day life, from pre-award to beyond!
    Presenter
    • Lauren Gee, Research Administration Manager, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
    • Shanon Hankin, Grant Development Specialist, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • A Crash Course in RAMP - Overview, Navigation, and Common Issues Landmark (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Presenters
    • Divina Allan, Grants System Business Analyst, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Timia Joseph, Grants System Business Analyst, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Shelly Earl, Grants System Business Analyst, Research and Sponsored Programs
  • Just the Basics: Navigating the JustGrants System for DOJ Proposals and Awards Agriculture (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    This session will walk you through the essentials of preparing and submitting proposals using the JustGrants system, as well as submitting required reports once an award is made. We’ll cover key steps and best practices to ensure your submissions meet all Department of Justice requirements. Whether you’re a first-time submitter or a frequent flyer, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed for successful proposal submissions and post-award reporting in the JustGrants system.
    Presenters
    • Annie Studer, Grants & Contracts Specialist - Proposals, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Sarah Marcotte, Pre-Award Sponsored Programs, Grants & Contracts Manager, School of Human Ecology
  • Navigating Career Paths in Research Administration Traditions (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Navigating a career in research administration can be daunting given the diversity of positions available. In this session we will share strategies for creating a career growth plan that involves identifying your current motivations, reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses, and setting clear goals for your future. Join us as we discuss our own career paths, other career options in the profession and how to best chart your next steps forward. Don’t compare your path to anybody else’s. Your path is unique to you! After Attending this session, learners will be able to: Differentiate between a “career ladder” and a “squiggly career”, Identify key transferrable skills needed in different research administration roles, and Locate resources for obtaining additional knowledge and skills to grow in their careers.
    Presenters
    • Melanie Hebl, Assistant Director of Research Collaboration, Sustainability Research Hub
    • Tammy Kuhn Martin, Assistant Dean, College of Engineering
    • Nick Novak, Assistant Dean, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
    • Christy Schulz, Assistant Dean, School of Medicine and Public Health
  • Searching for Excellence and Diversity Northwoods A (3rd Floor)
    Description
    WISELI’s SED is for members of search committees with the goal of helping committees conduct effective searches and recruit and hire excellent and diverse candidates.
    Presented By
    • Dr. Dessie Clark, Director of Curriculum Development & Implementation
    • Ro Grok-Gallagher
  • Common Cost Share Pitfalls Northwoods B (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    We've all heard the common advice about cost sharing—DON'T DO IT! But sometimes, it's unavoidable. When cost sharing is necessary, we want the process to be as smooth as possible. In this session, we'll highlight and walk through common errors and issues, from small details to big-picture challenges, that can complicate cost sharing. Armed with the knowledge of where many common pitfalls lie, you'll be better prepared to navigate cost sharing successfully and reach the finish line unscathed!
    Presented By
    • John Varda, Assistant Dean for Research Services, College of Letters and Science
    • Chelsie Propst, Post-Award Accountant, Research and Sponsored Programs
2:50 pm - 3:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions 3:00 - 3:55 pm
  • Vilas Awards – Discussion and Q&A Industry (3rd Floor)
    Description
    Provide background on the different Vilas programs. Discuss some of the common pitfalls associated with managing Vilas awards.
    Presenters
    • John Ackah, Non-federal Post-Award Accountant, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Ryan Albrecht, Non-federal Post-Award Accountant, Research and Sponsored Programs
  • Award Setup & Outgoing Subaward Q/A panel discussion Landmark (3rd Floor)
    Description
    Curious about the outgoing subaward process, or do you have an award notice that you just don’t know what to do with it? Bring your questions, because we’ve got answers to the most frequently experienced scenarios regarding the Award Setup and Outgoing Subaward processes. Unique perspectives of the department, division, and central office levels with be shared.
    Presenter
    • Andrea Zorbas, Award Acceptance and Set-Up Manager, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Jennifer Kuhr, Outgoing Subawards Manager, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Erin Goeldner, Division Research Administrator, College of Engineering
  • SciENcv: PI to Research Admin – An Overview Agriculture (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    This presentation will cover the roles, responsibilities, and basics of SciENcv including topics such as logging in, creating biosketch and current and pending support documents, PIs delegating access of documents to research administrators, and connecting ORCID ID to SciENcv. NSF, NIH, and other expected federal sponsors will be included in this overview.
    Presenter
    • Annie Studer, Grants & Contracts Specialist – Proposals, Research and Sponsored Programs
    • Alex Delvoye, Research Administrator, Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • Communication with Principal Investigators; It Is All in Translation Traditions (2nd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    There is always an interview question that asks what our communication style is or how we communicate. A common response is, “I adjust to what the listener wants.” What does that mean and how does it translate to research administration and communicating with principal investigators? This session will explore perceptive communication and discuss other factors to consider while communicating with principal investigators. Attendees will learn to map “what the listener wants.”
    Presenter
    • Sandy Fowler, Assistant Dean for Research, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
  • Perfect Publications: BuckySubmit, Public Access Compliance & Progress Reports Northwoods A (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    Complying with a federal funder’s public access to publications requirement on a progress report is not an intuitive process. But that’s where the UW-Madison Libraries’ BuckySubmit service comes in. This simple tool allows users to send manuscripts to federal funders in one step, ensuring that their work and RPPR are ready for submission. This session reviews the basics of using BuckySubmit, the public access policies and procedures of funders like the NIH, DOE, and NSF, as well as how to present newly compliant publications on progress reports.
    Presenter
    • Ryan Schryver, Public Access Compliance Lead, UW-Madison Libraries Research Data, Public Access, and Digital Scholarship Services
  • DEI In Action: How Research Administrators Can Enact Change, Every Day Northwoods B (3rd Floor)
    Slides
    Description
    You've attended DEI trainings, you understand the basic definitions--but what can YOU do to enact change in your role as a research administrator? This session will focus on definitions and concepts of JDEIA (Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility), current best practices, and actual actions and tips that research administrators, specifically, can take in common situations we encounter to be catalysts for change in our industry and in the world. Attendees will leave understanding the core concepts of JDEIA practices, and will begin to develop a toolkit of responses and best practices for potential situations for allyship.
    Presenter
    • Lauren Gee, Research Administration Manager, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
    • Bonniejean Zitske, Associate Director of Strategy and Operation, SSTAR Lab
4:00 pm - onward