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Virtual Training for Students

This 10-week, fully online course introduces undergraduate students to the field of research administration. Through a combination of live sessions, asynchronous modules, mentorship, and real-world observations, students will explore how research is developed, funded, and managed in academic settings. Key topics include the research lifecycle, proposal development, budgeting, compliance, submission systems, and career pathways in research administration. Students will gain practical insights and professional skills through lectures, guided mentorship and practicum experiences.

Each year, five students will be selected to participate in the program. Participants will receive a $7,000 stipend upon full attendance and successful completion of all program requirements.

Program Format

Online live sessions
Asynchronous learning modules
Individual and group mentorship meetings
Observations of research administration meetings
Weekly assignments and a final group project
Expert-led sessions and opportunities for peer collaboration

Learning Objectives

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to demonstrate they have fulfilled the following learning objectives:

Understand the Research Project Lifecycle. Learners will be able to identify and describe the key phases of the research project lifecycle: from idea development and funding identification to project closeout, and explain how each phase connects within the broader context of research administration.
Interpret Funding Solicitations. Learners will be able to identify key components of funding opportunity announcements and extract critical requirements related to eligibility, scope, deadlines, and proposal formatting.
Develop a Statement of Work (SOW). Learners will be able to critically analyze a clear and concise Statement of Work that outlines project goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables in alignment with sponsor expectations.
Construct a Compliant Proposal Budget and budget justification. Learners will be able to build a basic project budget that includes appropriate cost categories and complies with cost principles. Learners will also be able to prepare a persuasive and accurate budget justification aligned with the project scope and explains the necessity of each budgeted item.
Understand the Proposal Development and Submission Process. Learners will gain familiarity with the technologies and tools used in research administration, including submission portals and research information systems, as well as the internal coordination required for successful proposal development and submission.
Explore Career Trajectories and Professional Organizations in Research Administration. Learners will be able to identify common career pathways within research administration, recognize the value of ongoing professional development, and describe the role of key professional organizations in supporting career growth and advancing the field.
Enhance Understanding through Mentorship and Practicum. Learners will strengthen their understanding of research administration by participating in professional mentorship and practicum experiences to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world research administration practice.

Curriculum Overview

Week 1: Foundations of Research Administration (Synchronous, Zoom)
Week 2: Funding Landscape and Budgets (Synchronous, Zoom)
Week 3: Submission, and Research Integrity (Synchronous, Zoom)
Week 4: Research Lifecycle & Interpreting Funding Opportunities (Asynchronous)
Week 5: Proposal Components and Budgeting Principles (Asynchronous)
Week 6: Budgeting & Submission (Asynchronous)
Week 7: Mentorship Week (Synchronous, Zoom)
Weeks 8-9: Practicums (Synchronous, Zoom)
Week 10: Final Presentation (Synchronous, Zoom)

Our Students

The STAIR student training program is bringing together students from a range of schools and academic disciplines. This group reflects a strong interest in the field and a shared commitment to building practical skills to support research activities across institutions.