© 2023 NCURA Region V. All rights reserved.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops require an additional fee on top of the conference registration. You must register for the conference in order to sign up for and attend a workshop.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Morning Sessions: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Workshop # 1 – Pre-Award Budgeting 101 Bootcamp
Are you a new research administrator or just starting with pre-award grant budgeting? Join our bootcamp for an in-depth exploration of Grant Budgets and Budget Justifications from a Federal perspective, focusing on NIH and the Uniform Guidance. We’ll also cover other sponsors!
In this bootcamp, we’ll discuss: • Allowable costs • Direct and indirect costs • Key considerations for grant budgets
We’ll explain relevant budgeting changes per the Uniform Guidance, share helpful tips and tricks, and provide a budget template. You’ll learn through scenarios involving both simple and complex budgeting calculations, including: • Single and multiple IDC rates • Salary cap and cost share • Deriving direct and indirect costs from total direct costs
We’ll also cover re-budgeting scenarios, including categorical rebudgeting and adjustments after receiving a Notice of Award. Finally, we’ll build a grant budget together using an Excel template and enter the data into an NIH budget application template. Ready to enhance your grant budgeting skills? Join us!
Workshop Objectives:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to develop budgets and budget justifications for federal grants, as outlined in Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations 200 (Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, 2 CFR 200).
- Identify and define allowable direct and indirect costs, providing examples for each type.
- Recognize key considerations for grant budgets both before and during the pre-award/grant submission process, including effort, indirect cost rate, consortiums, salary cap, and cost share.
Presenters:
Brandon Carter, Research Administration Lead, Baylor College of Medicine
Sanaa Waqif, Research Compliance Associate, Baylor College of Medicine
Workshop # 2 – Crafting Effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
In the dynamic environment of research administration, standing in your light means guiding your team with clarity and consistency. This workshop will empower you to illuminate your path by learning how to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure effective, efficient, and consistent practice across your office. Discover the steps in the development of SOPs, winning elements to include in these documents, and explore practical ways to implement, use, and maintain SOPs in a bustling research admin environment.
Workshop Objectives:
- Understand the purpose, importance, and benefits of SOPs
- Understand the difference between SOPs and policy
- Learn best practices in the development and maintenance of SOPs
- Develop their own SOPs based on their current institutional practices
Presenters:
Abby Guillory, Assistant Vice President for Research, The University of Tulsa
Workshop # 3 – Building a robust research security program to foster sponsor confidence
NSPM-33 requirements for research security programs have been finalized and Federal sponsors are rapidly moving forward with requirements for institutional certifications of compliance. Many sponsors have or are implementing risk matrices during the proposal review phase to assess for research
security concerns and research overlap. This workshop will provide an overview of NSPM-33 and sponsor requirements currently in play, followed by an interactive discussion of components of a robust research security program designed to foster sponsor confidence and minimize risk to institutions and
investigators.
Workshop Objectives:
- Recognize the different facets of pre-award and post-award management
- Describe current federal requirements for research security programs
- Identify key elements of a research security program designed to foster sponsor confidence and minimize institutional risk
- Share ideas for proactively minimizing red flags raised by sponsor risk assessments
Presenters:
Conor Wakeman, Director of Ethics and International Research, The University of Texas at Dallas
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Workshop # 4 – Overview of Clinical Trials and Crash Course on Budgets
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of clinical trials and their financial aspects? Join us for a hands-on workshop that combines an overview of clinical trials with a crash course on budgets. This comprehensive session is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of clinical research and its funding. Join us for a few hours of learning, discussion, and practical exercises that will enhance your understanding to open clinical trials successfully.
Workshop Objectives:
- Learn to identify and distinguish between various types of clinical trials (e.g., interventional, observational) and their corresponding sponsors (e.g., pharmaceutical companies, government agencies).
- Understand the fundamental components of opening a clinical trial: Protocol, Contract and Negotiations
- Learn the basics of creating a clinical trial budget, including key components and common pitfalls.
- A – What is included in a budget?
- B – Coverage determination
- C – Invoiceable
- D – Navigate the complexities of contract development and negotiation with sponsors and stakeholders
Presenters:
Lara Landry, Sr. Associate Administrator, Baylor College of Medicine
Cynthia Zhang, Manager, Clinical Research Finance, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Brittan Sweetin, Associate Director, Research Planning & Development, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Workshop # 5 – Project Management: Beginning with the End in Mind
This workshop equips participants with essential skills for managing sponsored projects through interactive discussions on case studies and various project scenarios. Participants will learn to leverage Microsoft suite products like Teams and Planner for effective communication and organization of complex projects. The workshop will cover the use of meeting agenda and playbook templates, and teach participants to navigate project management complexities, ensuring successful completion and comprehensive reporting. Key topics include applying the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) during kickoff meetings, and methods for effective management throughout the project lifecycle with a focus on team rapport and accountability. Targeted at project managers, team leaders, and anyone interested in enhancing their project management skills, this workshop provides practical tools and strategies for effective project management.
Workshop Objectives:
- Organize and execute comprehensive kick off meetings as a blueprint for project success
- Methods to maintain communication and accountability during the lifecycle of an award
- How to ensure the successful completion and comprehensive reporting of all sponsored projects
Presenters:
Jennifer R Potocki, Lead, Research Administration, Baylor College of Medicine
Rummy Miranda, Lead, Research Administration, Baylor College of Medicine
Workshop # 6 – Invest in You! A free workshop supporting personal and professional development
(FREE WORKSHOP) This workshop will provide essential professional development skills and insights to support your career growth.
Presenters:
TBD
RACC Body of Knowledge CRA Review Session
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
The purpose of the Body of Knowledge Review Sessions is to familiarize you with the outline of
information upon which the certifications offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council
(RACC) are based. Each Body of Knowledge Session (CRA ® , CPRA ® , and CFRA) is designed to assist
you to identify areas of strengths and weakness so that you can learn where to focus your studies as
you prepare to the exam.
REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Morning Sessions: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Workshop # 7 – Pre-Award Playground: Where Strategy Meets Submission
(Previously Pre-Award Primer: It all starts here!)
Proposals don’t build themselves—but with the right pre-award strategy, they can come together seamlessly. This hands-on session covers the full scope of pre-award administration in a fun, practical way. Attendees will explore proposal development, sponsor interpretation, budgeting, compliance, and everything in between. Let’s turn proposal stress into submission success!
Workshop Objectives:
- Explore the full proposal development lifecycle through interactive, real-world examples and discussions
- Provide tools and techniques to make pre-award administration more efficient, collaborative, and less stressful
Presenters:
Jessica Ramon, Research Administrator IV, Sponsored Research Services, Texas A&M University
Danny Trchalek, Assistant Manager, Sponsored Research Services, Texas A&M University
Workshop # 8 – Contracts: What to Know & Why
Research Administrators (RA) of all levels are exposed to Contracts. The involvement varies with the role of the RA within this awesome career. Although seemingly similar, Contracts are quite different from a Grant. This session will introduce concepts, terms, types, and key items to watch for when a Contract crosses your desk. Discussion will focus on Technical and Non-Technical items. The major goal of this session is to answer the question … Why?
Workshop Objectives:
- Contract overview with discussion of Parties, Parts, Types and Legality of the document
- Recognition of Non-technical items with discussion of their importance
- Technical items to watch for with recommendations on how to handle problematic terms and conditions within the contract
Presenters:
Joanne Palmer, Contract Manager, Texas State University
Workshop # 9 – Intro to Post-Award: An overview of sponsored project award management
The session will explore effective procedures to maximize the success of post-award management. We will highlight award negotiation and project setup to limit risk and ensure smooth project closeout. Sample topics to be covered include cost transfers, effort distribution and reporting, subcontracts, budget and other project modifications, billing, and reporting. We will discuss post-award pitfalls, and work through real-life examples and case studies to identify solutions.
Workshop Objectives:
- Review best practices for sponsored project management from award through closeout
- Understand post-award financial and reporting requirements
- Identify common post-award challenges and solutions
Presenters:
LeAnn Forsberg, Director of Sponsored Programs, Texas Christian University
Workshop # 10 – Follow-Up Discussion to Hot topics in Research Administration
(FREE WORKSHOP) This will be a follow-up discussion with Tuesday’s closing keynote speaker diving into the complications and difficulties of the current research administration landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity for dedicated time with a research administration expert.
Presenters:
TBD
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Morning Sessions: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Workshop # 1 – Pre-Award Budgeting 101 Bootcamp
Are you a new research administrator or just starting with pre-award grant budgeting? Join our bootcamp for an in-depth exploration of Grant Budgets and Budget Justifications from a Federal perspective, focusing on NIH and the Uniform Guidance. We’ll also cover other sponsors!
In this bootcamp, we’ll discuss: • Allowable costs • Direct and indirect costs • Key considerations for grant budgets
We’ll explain relevant budgeting changes per the Uniform Guidance, share helpful tips and tricks, and provide a budget template. You’ll learn through scenarios involving both simple and complex budgeting calculations, including: • Single and multiple IDC rates • Salary cap and cost share • Deriving direct and indirect costs from total direct costs
We’ll also cover re-budgeting scenarios, including categorical rebudgeting and adjustments after receiving a Notice of Award. Finally, we’ll build a grant budget together using an Excel template and enter the data into an NIH budget application template. Ready to enhance your grant budgeting skills? Join us!
Workshop Objectives:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to develop budgets and budget justifications for federal grants, as outlined in Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations 200 (Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, 2 CFR 200).
- Identify and define allowable direct and indirect costs, providing examples for each type.
- Recognize key considerations for grant budgets both before and during the pre-award/grant submission process, including effort, indirect cost rate, consortiums, salary cap, and cost share.
Presenters:
Brandon Carter, Research Administration Lead, Baylor College of Medicine
Sanaa Waqif, Research Compliance Associate, Baylor College of Medicine
Workshop # 2 – Crafting Effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
In the dynamic environment of research administration, standing in your light means guiding your team with clarity and consistency. This workshop will empower you to illuminate your path by learning how to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure effective, efficient, and consistent practice across your office. Discover the steps in the development of SOPs, winning elements to include in these documents, and explore practical ways to implement, use, and maintain SOPs in a bustling research admin environment.
Workshop Objectives:
- Understand the purpose, importance, and benefits of SOPs
- Understand the difference between SOPs and policy
- Learn best practices in the development and maintenance of SOPs
- Develop their own SOPs based on their current institutional practices
Presenters:
Abby Guillory, Assistant Vice President for Research, The University of Tulsa
Workshop # 3 – Building a robust research security program to foster sponsor confidence
NSPM-33 requirements for research security programs have been finalized and Federal sponsors are rapidly moving forward with requirements for institutional certifications of compliance. Many sponsors have or are implementing risk matrices during the proposal review phase to assess for research
security concerns and research overlap. This workshop will provide an overview of NSPM-33 and sponsor requirements currently in play, followed by an interactive discussion of components of a robust research security program designed to foster sponsor confidence and minimize risk to institutions and
investigators.
Workshop Objectives:
- Recognize the different facets of pre-award and post-award management
- Describe current federal requirements for research security programs
- Identify key elements of a research security program designed to foster sponsor confidence and minimize institutional risk
- Share ideas for proactively minimizing red flags raised by sponsor risk assessments
Presenters:
Conor Wakeman, Director of Ethics and International Research, The University of Texas at Dallas
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Workshop # 4 – Overview of Clinical Trials and Crash Course on Budgets
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of clinical trials and their financial aspects? Join us for a hands-on workshop that combines an overview of clinical trials with a crash course on budgets. This comprehensive session is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of clinical research and its funding. Join us for a few hours of learning, discussion, and practical exercises that will enhance your understanding to open clinical trials successfully.
Workshop Objectives:
- Learn to identify and distinguish between various types of clinical trials (e.g., interventional, observational) and their corresponding sponsors (e.g., pharmaceutical companies, government agencies).
- Understand the fundamental components of opening a clinical trial: Protocol, Contract and Negotiations
- Learn the basics of creating a clinical trial budget, including key components and common pitfalls.
-
-
- A – What is included in a budget?
- B – Coverage determination
- C – Invoiceable
- D – Navigate the complexities of contract development and negotiation with sponsors and stakeholders
-
-
Presenters:
Lara Landry, Sr. Associate Administrator, Baylor College of Medicine
Cynthia Zhang, Manager, Clinical Research Finance, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Brittan Sweetin, Associate Director, Research Planning & Development, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Workshop # 5 – Project Management: Beginning with the End in Mind
This workshop equips participants with essential skills for managing sponsored projects through interactive discussions on case studies and various project scenarios. Participants will learn to leverage Microsoft suite products like Teams and Planner for effective communication and organization of complex projects. The workshop will cover the use of meeting agenda and playbook templates, and teach participants to navigate project management complexities, ensuring successful completion and comprehensive reporting. Key topics include applying the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) during kickoff meetings, and methods for effective management throughout the project lifecycle with a focus on team rapport and accountability. Targeted at project managers, team leaders, and anyone interested in enhancing their project management skills, this workshop provides practical tools and strategies for effective project management.
Workshop Objectives:
- Organize and execute comprehensive kick off meetings as a blueprint for project success
- Methods to maintain communication and accountability during the lifecycle of an award
- How to ensure the successful completion and comprehensive reporting of all sponsored projects
Presenters:
Jennifer R Potocki, Lead, Research Administration, Baylor College of Medicine
Rummy Miranda, Lead, Research Administration, Baylor College of Medicine
Workshop # 6 – Invest in You! A free workshop supporting personal and professional development
(FREE WORKSHOP) This workshop will provide essential professional development skills and insights to support your career growth.
Presenters:
TBD
RACC Body of Knowledge CRA Review Session
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
The purpose of the Body of Knowledge Review Sessions is to familiarize you with the outline of information upon which the certifications offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) are based. Each Body of Knowledge Session (CRA ® , CPRA ® , and CFRA) is designed to assist you to identify areas of strengths and weakness so that you can learn where to focus your studies as you prepare to the exam.
REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Morning Sessions: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Workshop # 7 – Pre-Award Playground: Where Strategy Meets Submission
(Previously Pre-Award Primer: It all starts here!)
Proposals don’t build themselves—but with the right pre-award strategy, they can come together seamlessly. This hands-on session covers the full scope of pre-award administration in a fun, practical way. Attendees will explore proposal development, sponsor interpretation, budgeting, compliance, and everything in between. Let’s turn proposal stress into submission success!
Workshop Objectives:
- Explore the full proposal development lifecycle through interactive, real-world examples and discussions
- Provide tools and techniques to make pre-award administration more efficient, collaborative, and less stressful
Presenters:
Jessica Ramon, Research Administrator IV, Sponsored Research Services, Texas A&M University
Danny Trchalek, Assistant Manager, Sponsored Research Services, Texas A&M University
Workshop # 8 – Contracts: What to Know & Why
Research Administrators (RA) of all levels are exposed to Contracts. The involvement varies with the role of the RA within this awesome career. Although seemingly similar, Contracts are quite different from a Grant. This session will introduce concepts, terms, types, and key items to watch for when a Contract crosses your desk. Discussion will focus on Technical and Non-Technical items. The major goal of this session is to answer the question … Why?
Workshop Objectives:
- Contract overview with discussion of Parties, Parts, Types and Legality of the document
- Recognition of Non-technical items with discussion of their importance
- Technical items to watch for with recommendations on how to handle problematic terms and conditions within the contract
Presenters:
Joanne Palmer, Contract Manager, Texas State University
Workshop # 9 – Intro to Post-Award: An overview of sponsored project award management
The session will explore effective procedures to maximize the success of post-award management. We will highlight award negotiation and project setup to limit risk and ensure smooth project closeout. Sample topics to be covered include cost transfers, effort distribution and reporting, subcontracts, budget and other project modifications, billing, and reporting. We will discuss post-award pitfalls, and work through real-life examples and case studies to identify solutions.
Workshop Objectives:
- Review best practices for sponsored project management from award through closeout
- Understand post-award financial and reporting requirements
- Identify common post-award challenges and solutions
Presenters:
LeAnn Forsberg, Director of Sponsored Programs, Texas Christian University
Workshop # 10 – Follow-Up Discussion to Hot topics in Research Administration
(FREE WORKSHOP) This will be a follow-up discussion with Tuesday’s closing keynote speaker diving into the complications and difficulties of the current research administration landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity for dedicated time with a research administration expert.
Presenters:
TBD
