Building a Sponsored Projects Office at a Young
InstitutionKasey Zanolli, MHARoseman University of Health Sciences
NCURA Region VI LeadMe Project
Roseman Background• Founded in 1999 in Henderson, NV• Private, non-profit institution• Now 3 campuses: 2 in NV, 1 in UT• College of Pharmacy (only one in NV)• College of Nursing• College of Dental Medicine• MBA Program• College of Medicine (applicant
status) – first private MD-granting institution in NV
Research Administration at Roseman
• Biomedical Research Unit started in 2010.• Administrative Grants Officer position
implemented in 2011.• First federal research grants received in 2012.• AGO position handles pre-award and post-
award activities for all Colleges, all three campuses.
• Near term goal: transition AGO to Sponsored Projects and Research Administration.
Personal Best Project:Growing the Sponsored Projects
OfficeComponents of Project:1.Create a policies and procedures manual that any faculty or staff member can refer to.2.Prepare for the growth of the sponsored projects office as Roseman launches College of Medicine.3.Create an office that is viewed as a resource to faculty and staff.
Personal Best Project:Growing the Sponsored Projects
Office1. Create a policies and procedures
manual that any faculty or staff member can use as a reference. Identify and prioritize policies and
procedures. Draft policies and procedures. Submit drafts to Vice President of
Research and Administrative Council for approval.
Personal Best Project:Growing the Sponsored Projects
Office2. Prepare for the growth of sponsored
projects office as Roseman launches College of Medicine.Discuss grant strategy with new Dean of College
of Medicine Discuss growth of sponsored projects office with
VPR and Dean; develop structure, plan for hiring.
Introduce the idea of a Research Advisory Council as well as a working group for RA policies.
Personal Best Project:Growing the Sponsored Projects
Office3. Create an office that is viewed as a
resource to faculty and staff. Create research/sponsored projects
newsletter to send out biweekly. Hold trainings on topics such as invention
disclosure, FCOI, using SPIN database. Send out research profiles to faculty;
introduce idea of a 2-year plan for grant proposal planning.
Propose a NCURA traveling workshop.
Applying the Leadership Challenge Model to the
Project
Model the WayInspire a Shared VisionChallenge the ProcessEnable Others to ActEncourage the Heart
Model the WayClarify values – find my voice – affirm shared ideals.
Embody the importance of policies, procedures and standards.
Set the example – align actions with shared values.Stand up for standards; tie to our mission.
Inspire a Shared VisionEnvision the future – imagine the possibilities.
University is focused on building a medical school; help faculty see vision of how that will
increase the research enterprise.Enlist others in common vision.
As Roseman follows its mission and grows medical education, OSPRA can grow and help
faculty in many more ways. Meet with founding dean of COM to express vision.
Challenge the ProcessSearch for opportunities – seize initiative – look outward for innovation.
Talk to peers: RA conferences, mentees/mentors, within comparative set.
Experiment – generate small wins – learn from experience.Introduce policies to faculty as a whole and
to individuals as situations arise. Hold trainings on RA topics.
Enable Others to ActFoster collaborations – facilitate relationships.
As the central research administrator, I learn research interests of faculty across the
institution. I can facilitate collaborations and create a climate of trust.
Strengthen others – increase self-determination – develop competence.Introduce idea of Research Advisory Council.
Encourage the Heart
Recognize contributions – show appreciation to individuals.
Create research/sponsored projects newsletter; send out research profiles to
faculty.
Celebrate victories – create spirit of community.
Express gratitude for feedback. Share research wins university-wide.
Project Conclusion
Creating an office of sponsored projects and research administration that has a solid foundation will allow
the university to grow its research and academic presence within the state
and region, then nationally and globally.
Reflecting on the Process
Takeaways: •Connecting with other research
administrators is invaluable.
•You don’t have to be a supervisor to be a leader. We can be leaders no
matter our actual role.
Commitment to NCURA
Now in Region II•Would like to be involved in LeadMe
program in this region, named for Cheryl-Lee Howard, who had been on Johns
Hopkins for many years. Getting in touch with the two contacts for the program.•Looking forward to sharing what I have learned and experienced as a mentee.