In 2019, the Sponsored Projects Academy was created to expand the knowledge of those involved with research administration across campus.

“Research is such an important element to the University of Nevada, Reno,” Sierra Hooft, education and outreach manager with Sponsored Projects, said. “We wanted to give our administrative staff a better understanding of the Sponsored Projects procedure starting from the proposal stage all the way through the project closeout. Administrative staff can gain insight on where their role fits into the bigger picture, and the academy can go a long way in advancing their position.”

A sponsored project is an arrangement (such as a grant, contract and cooperative agreement) between a sponsor or funder and an agency or organization, like a university. A sponsor provides funds to the university with the goal being that the university will bring improvements to the sponsor or the public.

The academy has two sections: The Introductory Sponsored Projects Academy and the Advanced Sponsored Projects Academy.

During the fall semesters, the Introductory Sponsored Projects Academy is offered. It is a six-week course that meets once a week for three hours. Some course subjects include information on proposal developments, project closeout, support services, policies and procedures, research integrity, project management, conflicts of interest, Environmental Health & Safety, and more.

“I work with a lot of grants and I wanted to know the ins and outs from all perspectives,” Erin Kari, manager for business and operations and recent graduate of the 2023 Introductory Sponsored Projects Academy, said. “Finding out about the different resources across campus was beneficial.”

The fall cohort ended on Nov. 10, 2023, with 29 graduates who will receive a certificate for their accomplishments and training.

“We hope that participants gained new skills and knowledge, but primarily we want them to know where to look and who to reach out to when they have questions moving forward,” Katie Tracy, executive director for Sponsored Projects, said. “Knowing what resources are available and where to access them is really important.”

In the upcoming spring semester, plans are underway for the Advanced Sponsored Projects Academy.

“The advanced section provides more in-depth comprehension of different sponsored project topics,” Hooft said. “During the four-week course, participants will be introduced to budget development, cost transfers, risk accounts and other topics.”

Those interested in accessing materials from the past academy or signing up for either the Introductory or Advanced Sponsored Projects Academy are asked to email Hooft at sierrahooft@unr.edu.

Group photo:
Back row, left to right: Mark Campbell, Erica Hall, Brett Andres, Sierra Hooft
Third row, left to right: Michael Easterly, Kelly Pavilionis, Crystal Metzenheim
Second row, left to right: Belen Aguilar, Ada Diaconu Muresan, Stephanie Schoenfeldt
Front row, left to right: Jennifer Bingham, Jennifer Bonk, Erika Hutton