Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
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  1. IN
  2. NAU Research
  3. Proposal and award management
  4. Project management

Project management

Sponsored research, one of the primary missions of NAU, is defined as funding from outside sources for scholarly inquiry performed by university faculty and staff. Sources of funding can include the federal government, state and local agencies, hospitals, foundations, corporations, and foreign entities.

Maintaining the public trust

Managing the regulatory and fiduciary responsibilities of sponsored research funds is a complex undertaking as this funding is highly regulated. Additionally, there are multiple internal parties involved and many phases within the “life cycle of an award” from searching for funding opportunities to setting up the account to monitoring expenditures to reporting and closing out the account.

Sound financial management of these sponsored funds is critical in maintaining the public trust in research results and outcomes, its trust as research participants, and its trust in how millions of dollars of public funds are spent every year.

Stewardship and compliance

Proper stewardship results in the effective management of public funds to maximize research outcomes and higher standards of research integrity. Managing these funds properly will also decrease serious cases of fraud, institutional mismanagement, and poor management of federal funds.

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Award modifications

Changes to a sponsored project may be necessary throughout the award period. Access information and procedures for award modifications, including budget changes, no-cost extensions, subawards, and other changes that may require sponsor or Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) approval.
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Cost management

Effective cost management helps ensure sponsored project funds are used appropriately and in accordance with award terms. Find information and resources for managing project costs, including allowable expenses, cost transfers, financial responsibilities, and sponsor and university requirements.
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Effort certification

Effort distribution reporting documents the time and effort employees devote to sponsored projects and helps ensure salary charges are accurate and appropriately supported. Review NAU’s effort reporting and certification process, responsibilities, and requirements.
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Monitoring projects

Ongoing monitoring helps ensure sponsored projects are managed in accordance with award terms, sponsor requirements, and university policies. Explore tools and resources to track project activity, financial information, and other responsibilities throughout the award period.