COMPASS

The COMPASS curriculum at Auburn guides research administrators through the myriad channels of knowledge they need to perform their job e.g., enhancing and improving support provided to researchers. The Certification Course provides a working knowledge of the policies and procedures that underlie the field of sponsored project administration. It is designed to challenge practitioners who have experience working in the field. The course takes a broad view of sponsored project administration and will develop a basic understanding of the diverse facets of the field. Participants will learn about sources of federal, state, and local funding for research and other extramurally funded projects, sponsor agencies, industry and foundation sponsors, institutional models, the grant award cycle, and the typical roles and responsibilities seen in sponsored project administration. The course emphasizes regulations, principles, problems, and policies that are most relevant to the issues a participant will encounter in their daily work environment. The course is taught with an emphasis on experiential learning, case study analyses and a team approach to solving problems and analyzing scenarios presented in class. The award of a certificate means the holder has completed the required courses and related work at an acceptable level of class participation. 

The prerequisite Introduction to Sponsored Programs Administration course (UR500E) is an on-demand class offered through the HR ElevatED platform that must be taken within six months of enrollment in the certification class. The course takes place over two semesters.

Please note: Due to anticipated high demand and the limited class size, registration for the COMPASS certification course is open on a first-come basis with priority given to those who are first-time enrollees with regular, full-time employment status and who have a current role in research administration. Enrollment does not guarantee class acceptance.

COMPASS Conversations are periodical meetings in which participants can hear how their peers from various departments approach communication, financial management and leadership development, as well as tips and tricks for successful research administration. In past sessions, topics like the following have been discussed:

• CRA Creditation (PPT)
• Reducing the Proposal Burden for Faculty (PPT)
• Budget Justification Template (DOC)
• Contracts & Grants Accounting’s “TOP 5” Series - Documenting Expenditures (PPT)
• Contracts Presentation Slides (PPT) and Video
• Smart Sheet Overview
• Leadership Presentation
• Dr. Eric Wetzel and the Application of AI to the Construction Industry
• Procurement and Business Services (PBS) and TigerBuy
• Responsible Conduct of Research

COMPASS Deep Dives are periodically offered, in-depth workshops that provide an opportunity for attendees to participate in an interactive, exercise-driven course. Previous COMPASS Deep Dives have included:

• NSF Deep Dive
• NIH Deep Dive
• Post Award Deep Dive