Sponsored Projects Essentials
Advanced course for research administrators. Please note: This course is *not* intended for Barnard and NYSPI employees who do not have a joint appointment with Columbia.
Sponsored Projects Essentials is a five-week course for CU administrative staff working in research that provides detailed information on creating and managing Sponsored Projects at Columbia. The course has been developed by the Office of Research Compliance and Training, Sponsored Projects Administration, and Sponsored Projects Finance. The course is designed to increase understanding among sponsored projects administrative professionals of the policies and processes that govern the Pre- and Post-Award phases of Sponsored Projects at Columbia. It is open to Research Administrators, Department Administrators, Research Coordinators, Effort Coordinators, Grants Managers, and other administrative staff involved with research who have previously participated in the Research Compliance Foundations course.
Please note: in order to be invited to take this course, one must have attended the following Foundations class sessions (as noted in Rascal): TC4002, TC4003, TC4004, and TC4005. Please check your Rascal My Test History to see which Foundations class sessions you've already attended.
Each class provides useful how-tos, information, and insight into the management of sponsored projects and offers opportunities to ask questions of the people best equipped to answer them.
Fall 2025 Class Locations, Times, and Topics Covered:
The fall 2025 offering of Essentials will meet via Zoom only once a week––on Tuesdays, 12 pm to 1:30 pm, beginning October 7th. A buffer date (in case one of the class sessions needs to be rescheduled) has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 18th, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, on Zoom. All registrants will be sent a course information email that will include Zoom registration links for each class session.
The course is offered in the spring and fall. For information, please contact the Office of Research Compliance and Training, at [email protected].
Please see the detailed course schedule below. If you're making up missed class sessions and would like to determine which class sessions you've already attended, please check your Rascal profile ("My Test History").
Presented by Sponsored Projects Administration.
Session Description: This session provides a comprehensive introduction to the proposal development process at Columbia. Participants will learn how to interpret funding announcements (NOFOs), identify sponsor requirements, and gather the necessary components for a compliant and competitive proposal. The session also covers key concepts such as funding mechanisms, roles and responsibilities, and institutional requirements, including conflict of interest disclosures and required trainings. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to effectively prepare and route proposals in alignment with both sponsor and University guidelines.
Spring 2026 date: Tuesday, April 14th
Presented by Sponsored Projects Administration.
Session Description: This session focuses on developing accurate and compliant proposal budgets. Participants will explore direct and indirect costs, cost sharing requirements, and key budgeting principles under Uniform Guidance and sponsor policies. The session also walks through common budget categories, including personnel, equipment, travel, and subawards, while emphasizing the importance of aligning the budget with the project scope. By the end of the session, participants will be able to construct and justify a budget that meets sponsor expectations and University requirements.
Spring 2026 date: Tuesday, April 21st
Presented by Sponsored Projects Administration.
Session Description: This session introduces the post-submission and award management process. Topics include interpreting Notices of Award (NOAs), understanding award setup in ARC, managing subawards, and navigating prior approval requirements. Participants will also learn about key administrative processes such as rebudgeting, progress reporting, and no-cost extensions. The session emphasizes the shared responsibilities between departments, principal investigators, and central offices in ensuring compliance and effective award management.
Spring 2026 date: Tuesday, April 28th
Presented by Sponsored Projects Finance.
Session Description: This session provides an overview of financial management principles for sponsored projects at Columbia. Participants will learn the fundamentals of fund accounting, financial compliance, and University policies governing allowable costs. The session also covers budgeting practices, monitoring expenditures, cost transfers, and financial reporting responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on maintaining compliance with sponsor regulations and ensuring accurate financial stewardship throughout the life of an award.
Spring 2026 date: Tuesday, May 5th
Presented by Sponsored Projects Finance.
Session Description: This session focuses on advanced financial management topics, including indirect cost (F&A) calculations, cost overruns, cost sharing, and subrecipient monitoring. Participants will also learn about the financial closeout process, including timelines, reporting requirements, and best practices for ensuring all obligations are met. By the end of the session, participants will understand how to effectively monitor project finances and successfully close out sponsored awards in compliance with University and sponsor requirements.
Spring 2026 date: Tuesday, May 12th