TURAC 2024+
Program
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
Join us before the convening to connect with research administrators across Arizona.
10:00 am__|__Tour De TURAC
Tour De TURAC
Host: ____ Networking Committee
Location:_ Zoom
Description:
Come join the Networking Subcommittee & connect! Get to know your colleagues before the upcoming conference! Detailed instructions will come to registrants, but be prepared for:
Speed Networking
Connect in a lightning round of networking with each participant sharing name, school, position, and one unique thing about you.
Q&A Panel
Want to learn more about the upcoming TURAC conference? Hear about the best hidden gems of Flagstaff that you won’t want to miss! Join us to hear TURAC+2024 in’s and out’s and MORE!
RA Jeopardy
Get to know you colleagues at all universities over a game of Research Admin Jeopardy” Come and Join the fun!
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
The event will commence with welcome remarks followed by a Q&A session with our plenary speaker. Throughout the day, attendees can expect a series of mini sessions and a panel discussion.
7:30 am___|__Morning Yoga
Morning Yoga
Host: ____ Nicky Jurgens and Michael Bouck
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Nicky Jurgens from NAU will kick off the Tri-University Research Administration Convening with 25 minutes of chair yoga. This session is suitable for everyone, even in your business attire! This series of gentle stretches will improve blood flow throughout your body and clear your mind, getting you all set for the days ahead!
Following our yoga session, NAU Health and Wellness Counselor, Michael Bouck, will offer a Mindful Meditation exercise. After this enlightening session, you’ll be sure to be in the right head space for conference activities!
8:30 am___|__Breakfast
Breakfast
Host: ____ Logistics Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
A full hot and cold breakfast buffet will be provided this first morning of TURAC 2024+. Buffett service begins within the International Pavilion at 8:30 am PST, on the buffet tables, and will continue until 9:30 am PST. The breakfast will include a selection of eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, cereals, yogurts, breakfast meats, assorted starches, breads, preserves, and cold fruits. Also provided will be water, coffees, teas, juices, milks, and seasoning sides such as syrups, salt, pepper, ketchup, and hot sauces.
9:20 am___|__Opening Session__|__Opening Remarks and Plenary Speaker
Opening Remarks and Plenary Speaker
Speaker: _ Dr. Paul S. Keim
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
TURAC 2024+ will begin with opening remarks from research expert from Northern Arizona University, Dr. Paul S. Keim
10:00 am__|__Break
10:30 am__|__Breakout Sessions
Going from Good to Great, Starting with Grit
Speaker: _ Alexus Robertson and Jeremiah Thompson
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
In this session new research administrators will get a light onboarding experience. Guidance on where to start as an RA, ask questions, and get access to professional development resources.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Careers in Research Administration
Speaker: _ Samaneh Moeini, Shana McLelland, Lisa Allen
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Choose Your Own Adventure: Careers in Research Administration”” is a dynamic session aimed at illuminating the diverse pathways within this field. Participants embark on an exploration of research administration career options, guided by discussions on mentorship, ownership, and available resources. Attendees learn to take the lead in their professional development by actively pursuing opportunities for growth and leadership. Through interactive discussions, they gain practical strategies and skills for taking their career to the next level. This session also offers a wealth of resources—from educational programs to networking opportunities—empowering individuals to succeed in research administration.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:
• Be able to identify multiple career paths open to research administrators and how to determine what skills might be needed to advance in those career paths.
• Learn that a successful career in research administration requires deliberate action on their part and be able to identify concrete actions they can take to advance their careers.
• Be able to identify institutional and general resources available to them to grow their knowledge and perspective of research administration.
Senior Leadership Connection
Speaker: _ Valerie Keim and Samantha Mungia
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
In this discussion group, research administration leaders will have the opportunity to compare notes and strategies for tackling current challenges in the field. The discussion agenda will be crowdsourced from assistant/associate directors, directors, assistant/associate vice presidents, and vice president level participants; topics could include AI in research administration, research security/institutional compliance, recruitment and retention, career growth, etc.
12:00 pm__|__Lunch
Lunch | In-Person Only
Host: ____ Logistics Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
Self-serve, boxed sandwich lunches will be provided. Boxed lunches will be available on the buffet tables of the International Pavilion beginning at noon. A selection of box selections will be available including vegetarian. Typical boxed lunches include a whole sandwich, bag of chips, cookie, and other small side (e.g., pickle). Sandwich selections are typically ham, beef, turkey, and vegetarian. Cheeses (variety) are also included. Sandwich dressings (mayo, mustard, etc.) are also included. Also provided will be water, cold tea, and assorted soft drinks.
12:30 pm__|__Intelligent Matchmaking
Intelligent Matchmaking | Online & In-Person
Host: ____ Networking Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Guess Who: Research Administration Edition. Come join us for a familiar childhood favorite, but make it Research Administration! Get to know your colleagues by asking them yes/no questions and find your mystery people! On top of the fun, earn the chance to win a gift card!
1:30 pm___|__F&A Rate Agreement Process
F&A Rate Agreement Process
Speaker: _ Sarah Kern and Jennifer Smolnik
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Considerations for Facility & Administration Costs (“Indirects”) continue to be an important consideration in the work of research administrators across the lifecycle of sponsored programs. Academic institutions, including those in Arizona, are continuously interested in accurate, relevant, and fiscally prudent indirect cost rate applications and how those derived rates ultimately impact sponsored proposals and awards. This session, which includes presenters from industry/consulting partners in the F&A rate negotiation process, will include perspectives around the do’s-and-don’ts of the rate-building and negotiation process with the cognizant agencies of the Federal government. After defining the elements of indirect cost calculations, our presenters will discuss the rate negotiation process, and the key outcomes of such processes that impact our work. Q&A time will be afforded as well for all session attendees.
2:00 pm___|__Break
2:15 pm___|__Research Administration and Strategic Connections across Arizona
Navigating the Nexus: Exploring the Intersections of Research Administration and Strategic Connections across Arizona
Speaker: _ Dr. Nicolette Teufel-Shone, Heather Clark, and Andrea Christelle
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
This panel discussion will delve into the multifaceted dynamics of research administration, strategic connections, and their critical intersections with tribal nations, Arizona universities, state, and local entities. Experts from diverse backgrounds will share insights, best practices, and real-world examples to navigate this nexus effectively, fostering meaningful collaborations and advancing equitable research endeavors. Join us for an illuminating conversation on the pivotal role of research administration in bridging academia, state and local entities and tribal nations for mutual benefit and cohesive, sustainable development.
3:45 pm___|__Break
4:00 pm___|__Breakout Sessions
Cohesion through Communication: Strategies for Connecting Across Divides
Speaker: _ Nena Bloom, Erin Gill, Amber Martin, and Rachel Rice
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Communication is at the heart of relationship-building, research community education, and maintain successful processes and partnerships. At times, however, it can feel like stakeholders in different groups speak different languages (pre-award/post-award staff, central/departmental, staff/faculty). In this session, we will discuss strategies for communicating and connecting with colleagues successfully.
Pre-Post Bridge Session: Making pre-award decisions for post-award success
Speaker: _ Joelina Peck
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
This session will help pre-award administrators identify potential cost categories at the proposal stage and understand how these costs may create issues for post-award. We will focus on the unique challenges of budgeting at the proposal stage and take a deep dive into each of the identified cost categories to learn strategies to help minimize the impact on post-award.
Learning objectives
Participants will obtain a better understanding of how budgeting at pre-award may impact post-award.
Participants will learn strategies for tackling some of the unique budget challenges to minimize the impact on post-award management.
Participants will understand the importance of communication between pre-award and post-award for effective award management.
5:00 pm___|__Mocktail & Mingle__|__OVPR Dinner__|__AZ Trivia Night
Networking Event: Mocktails and Mingling
Start Time: 5:00 pm
Host: ____ Networking Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
Please join the Office of the Vice President for Research at NAU for a Happy Hour (45 minutes) of spirited conversations and mingling. This reception will take place on the patio of the International Pavilion, under the watchful eyes and beauty of the San Francisco Plateau peaks! The views should be breathtaking and the conversations even better – see you for this warmup to dinner!
OVPR Dinner | In-Person Only
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Host: ____ Dr. Jason Wilder
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
Please join us for a special dinner hosted by NAU’s Vice President for Research, Dr. Jason A. Wilder. Dr. Wilder looks forward to welcoming all in-person, NAU campus attendees to TURAC 2024+, sharing a bit about his Office, his role, and sharing key members of his staff from Sponsored Projects, Research Compliance, Innovations/Tech Transfer, Program Evaluation, among others. While the final meal selections will be up to VPR Wilder, you can plan on a buffet-style offering that includes assorted salads, assorted entrée selections, side-dish complements, breads, desserts, and accompanying waters, soft drinks, teas, and coffees. Vegetarian offerings will also be available.
AZ Trivia Night
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Host: ____ Networking Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
Be prepared for a night of AZ themed trivia with your colleagues! Who’s the smartest of them all… Let’s find out!
Here’s a SNEAK PEEK!
Q: How many pennies would be needed for the cooper on the roof of the Capitol Building in Phoenix?
A: 4,800,000 pennies!
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
TURAC 2024+ is showcasing three tracks tailored for specific administration processes. Select from options such as Pre-Award, Post-Award, and our Cross-cutting track, each featuring multiple sessions. Attend sessions in one track or choose sessions from each to explore the world of research administration.
7:30 am___|__Breakfast
Breakfast
Host: ____ Logistics Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
A “Continental Style” cold breakfast buffet will be provided this second morning of TURAC 2024+. Buffett service begins within the International Pavilion at 7:30 am PST, on the buffet tables, and will continue until 8:30 am PST. The continental breakfast will include a selection of cold breakfast selections including cold cereals & milks, cold yogurts, assorted pastries, breads, bagels, and cold fruits. Also provided will be water, coffees, teas, juices, milks, and seasoning sides such as butter, fruit preserves, honey, salt, and pepper.
7:30 am___|__Networking Event: Walk & Talk
Walk & Talk
Host: ____ Networking Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Join us as we meet over coffee and tour NAU’s historic North Quad. We will be live streaming via Facebook so no one will miss out on all NAU has to offer! We’ll walk from the International Pavilion and see sights such as the Liberal Arts building, Cline Library, the University Union, Old Main, and much more.
8:30 am___|__Learning Tracks
Empowering Institutions: Navigating HSI Designation for Funding Success
Speaker: _ Claudia Rodas, Riley McIsaac, and Hayley Bohall
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Join us for an insightful session on strategic research administration, where we’ll explore the pivotal role of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation in securing funding and advancing institutional growth. Delve into HSI basics and practical strategies for integrating HSI awareness into research administration practices, empowering your institution to respond effectively to funding opportunities and enhance its research development initiatives. Through engaging discussions and actionable insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage the HSI designation to drive success in research administration and propel institutional advancement.
Setting Up New Awards for Success
Speaker: _ Sarah Montgomery
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Tips, tricks, and considerations for department RAs; review NOA and proposal docs, compare to award management and financial systems, set up PI for success, and use Outlook tricks to simplify award management.
Institutional Management of Conflict of Interest
Speaker: _ Andrew Koppisch, Scott Pryor, and Brent Saron
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
As recipients of state and federal funding, ASU, NAU, and UA have an obligation to the public to ensure that all aspects of research, including the design, conduct, and reporting of results, are free from real or apparent bias. At the same time, all three universities encourage their faculty, staff, and students to engage in innovation and entrepreneurial activities. In pursuit of these two goals, and in accordance with federal and state regulations, universities require that investigators disclose outside interests so that any conflicts with their institutional duties and responsibilities can be appropriately managed. In this presentation, the process for identifying and managing conflicts of interest at the statewide universities will be discussed.
9:45 am___|__Break
10:00 am__|__Learning Tracks __|__Updating Your LinkedIn Profile
Project Management in Research Administration
Speaker: _ Valerie Keim, Nicole Cox, and Laurie Clark
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Tricks, tips, and tactics to manage people and the work to meet the deadline.
Post-Award Best Practices for Collaborative Management of HHS-Funded Awards
Speaker: _ Fernando Zacarias, Lisa Allen, and Elena Davis
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
In this session, we will discuss the most common DHHS agency awards (e.g., NIH + SAMHSA) and provide resources related to specific funding mechanisms (training grants, fellowships, etc.) and other specialized processes. We will highlight tips and best practices for post award management, including initial setup, monitoring, and reporting.
Hot Topics in Contracting
Speaker: _ Chris Stevens and Kenneth Frost
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Join us for a discussion on hot topics in contracting. The discussion may include topics such as tech transfer, NIST/CMMC, and negotiating with state and local agencies.
Updating Your LinkedIn Profile
Speaker: _ John Gartin
Location: _Zoom
Description:
Dive into the international standard in networking, relationship building, upskilling, and industry information flows through LinkedIn. Explore innovative strategies for personal branding, expanding your professional network, and mastering LinkedIn’s tools and features to level up your personal goals. Engage with cutting-edge techniques and learn how to enhance your LinkedIn profile using Generative AI (GPTs) to stand out in your subject area and industry. This session promises to arm you with the skills and insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of professional networking, developing new relationships, and staying current with industry thought leaders through LinkedIn.
11:15 am__|__Lunch__|__CLARA Info Session
Lunch | In-Person Only
Host: ____ Logistics Committee
Location: _NAU International Pavilion
Description:
Self-serve, boxed sandwich lunches will be provided. Boxed lunches will be available on the buffet tables of the International Pavilion beginning at noon. A selection of box selections will be available including vegetarian. Typical boxed lunches include a whole sandwich, bag of chips, cookie, and other small side (e.g., pickle). Sandwich selections are typically ham, beef, turkey, and vegetarian. Cheeses (variety) are also included. Sandwich dressings (mayo, mustard, etc.) are also included. Also provided will be water, cold tea, and assorted soft drinks.
CLARA Info Session
Host: ____ Valerie Keim, Tom Champagne, and Sam Mungia
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Join us over lunch for a lively panel discussion with this year’s convening Co-Chairs & Grant Recipients! Sam Munguia (ASU), Valerie Keim (ASU), and Tom Champagne (NAU) will discuss some of the important strategies, approaches, and program themes that went into planning this year’s TURAC 2024+. The panelists will outline their efforts and intentions around securing sponsor funding from NSF, the role each ABOR institution assumed for the convening success, and the intentional identification of this year’s convening themes: Connection – Collaboration – Cohesion. Finally, the panelists will outline their aspirations and hopes for future convening success, including how the NSF funding will continue inter-institution engagement through the Coalition of Leaders in Advanced Research Administration (CLARA) and be available for questions from session attendees.
Registration is not required for individuals attending lunch in-person.
12:45 pm__|__Break
1:00 pm___|__Learning Tracks
Hot Topics in Pre-Award
Speaker: _ Sarah Gates and Shery Boyd-Grossman
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Building bridges: The People and Processes essential for pre-award success in today’s world.
Navigating Complexities of Award Changes
Speaker: _ Kelley Hall
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
Managing change in sponsored projects is a key aspect of post award management. As projects evolve, the administrative components of management do as well. In this session, we will discuss strategies to manage change and the approvals needed to complete the task. Case studies will include reviewing the request, identifying needed documentation, working with PIs to gather technical and administrative information, and seeking sponsor approval.
Fiscal Compliance and Minimizing Audit Risk
Speaker: _ Mark Ruppert and Sam Mungia
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
This session will explore fiscal compliance in public university research, focusing on mitigating audit risk and ensuring financial integrity. We’ll discuss common audit findings, effective internal controls, and actionable strategies for maintaining compliance. Participants will gain insights into navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and emerging trends, leaving equipped to manage audit risk and to handle unclear situations in fiscal compliance.
2:15 pm___|__Break
2:30 pm___|__Learning Tracks__|__Letters of Love
Advanced Budgeting: Problem-Solving Strategies for Budgeting Issues and Concerns
Speaker: _ Sean Jones, Howard Bergman, and Megan McDevitt
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
This session will focus on tips and tricks in advanced sponsor project budgeting, from ever-changing regulatory requirements to lessons learned from post-submission sponsor negotiations. A range of sponsors both domestic and international will be covered, and will include opportunity to bring your own questions for discussion.
Managing Fruitful Research Collaborations with External Partners
Speaker: _ Ivan Ochsner and Joelina Peck
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
This session will provide a better understanding of the differences between working with foreign and domestic collaborators based on organizational type. We’ll dig deep into how collaborations with different organizational types (hospitals, consultants, industry, etc.) can be challenging in accomplishing set goals. To facilitate more effective collaborations, we will share best practices and techniques from both pre- and post-award perspectives.
Compliance Checklist and Export/Research Security
Speaker: _ Nancy Henderson and Cliff Fredericks
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
This session will provide Research Administrators insights into federal research compliance requirements so they can assist researchers more effectively during the life cycle of their grant. With the federal government placing more emphasis on research security and foreign collaborations, this session will also provide key concepts related to export controls and undue foreign influence.
Description:
Join RA’s at your university to create “Letters of Love”. Letters of Love is an organization that provides inspirational cards to children who are chronically ill or in hospice care. Each card helps to spread kindness to patients in children’s hospitals around the world. All necessary supplies will be provided as well as light snacks. If you can’t make it, no problem, check out Letters of Love on other ways to donate.
3:45 pm___|__Break
4:00 pm___|__Closing Session___|__Collaboration: Why Your Work Matters
Collaboration: Why Your Work Matters
Speaker: _David Trilling, Erin Kruse, Carlo Maley, and Stacy Esposito
Location: _NAU International Pavilion / Zoom
Description:
As the TURAC 2024+ Convening draws to a close, we invite you to join us for a lively and inspiring capstone session! During this session, and linking back toward our opening Plenary remarks, our presenters will summarize the past 2 days of Convening programming and deliver some thoughts around this year’s theme of Connection – Collaboration – Cohesion. Attendees will recognize and affirm their important service roles to the research faculty, staff, sponsors, and industry partners that make up our ecosystem of Research Administration. Attendees will be encouraged to share their perspectives on the important elements of successful research administrative work, and collectively draw similarities between the host institutions they emanate from. By session conclusion, we hope to highlight the importance of Connection – Collaboration – Cohesion in all we do!