Sponsored Programs Administration Enhancements

Over the past several months, the Office of Research has focused on strengthening its operations to better support research faculty and streamline administrative processes.

This report outlines key improvements within Sponosored Programs Administation, including policy updates, technological advancements, personnel restructuring, and expanded training programs. These efforts are designed to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and create a more supportive environment for research. Additionally, the report highlights ongoing and future initiatives aimed at further optimizing our services.

spa improvements

We appreciate your collaboration and feedback as we continue working to strengthen research administration at the university. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or insights. 

Please contact sponprog@kennesaw.edu with any questions.

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Completed Initiatives

Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) has implemented a series of strategic enhancements to strengthen research administration infrastructure, improve service delivery, and support the continued growth of research at Kennesaw State University. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach across staffing, systems, processes, and faculty engagement.

Staffing & Organizational Capacity

  • Expanded SPA staffing across Pre-Award, Post-Award, Contracts, and Operations, including key leadership roles.
  • Established a dedicated award setup team to improve timeliness and consistency.
  • Implemented a team-based post-award structure to balance workload and enhance service delivery.
  • Launched a Research Liaison model to strengthen support within colleges.

Training & Professional Development

  • Delivered comprehensive internal training programs, including multi-day training with external partners.
  • Expanded participation in national research administration training (e.g., NCURA).
  • Developed onboarding tools, training libraries, and standardized guides to support staff development.
  • Provided targeted faculty training sessions on proposal development, budgeting, and working with SPA.

Faculty Engagement & Support

  • Delivered multiple faculty, Chair, and Associate Dean for Research (ADR) training sessions.
  • Developed and distributed a Cayuse faculty handbook and on-demand training resources.
  • Participated in Research Development Office Hours to provide direct support and consultation.
  • Enhanced communication practices through standardized response timelines and improved accessibility.

Process & Service Improvements

  • Streamlined proposal and award intake, assignment, and review workflows.
  • Implemented a one-business-day communication acknowledgment standard.
  • Formalized monthly check-ins with college business managers.
  • Developed workflow maps and standardized processes to improve consistency and reduce administrative burden.
  • Enhanced purchasing, closeout, and award management procedures.

System Modernization (Cayuse SP)

  • Modernized proposal and award management through implementation of Cayuse Sponsored Programs (SP).
  • Improved visibility into proposal and award status for faculty and administrators.
  • Centralized communication, routing, and documentation within a single system.
  • Enhanced transparency and tracking across the project lifecycle.

Operational Impact

These enhancements have resulted in:

  • Improved turnaround times and operational consistency.
  • Increased transparency into proposal and award status.
  • Enhanced faculty support and engagement.
  • Reduced administrative risk through clearer processes and stronger compliance practices.
  • Greater alignment between SPA and college-level research administration.

Strategic Engagement & Continuous Improvement

  • Engaged with national organizations (e.g., COGR) to align with best practices.
  • Partnered with campus stakeholders to continuously refine processes and systems.
  • Established a foundation for scalable growth in support of KSU’s expanding research enterprise.