The SRA Symposium - College of Medicine

Papers
• Cross Unit Collaboration and Problem Solving
In October 2001, the Sponsored Programs Implementation Team (SPIT) was commissioned for
two years to develop improvements in pre- and post-award research administration. Specifically,
SPIT was charged to validate a list of issues and priorities, to complete a situation analysis, and to
deliver solutions. Many of these issues related to making central administration more responsive
to the needs of unit administrators. Others focused on maximizing the value of the new financial
system (PeopleSoft). SPIT was a cross-functional representation of research administrators from
the University of Michigan’s central and unit level administration. Its main areas of focus were:
Financial Reporting
Project Administration
Project Initiation
Organization/Communications
The SPIT model has created new leadership opportunities for unit research administrators. After
SPIT’s commission ended, a “Sponsored Projects Advisory Team” (SPA Team) was formed. The
SPA Team’s basic purpose is to identify emerging issues, evaluate them, recommend solutions, and
monitor their progress after changes are implemented (www.spateam.umich.edu).
These types of team efforts have set the standard for collaboration between unit research administrators
and staff in central offices. The communication and, in some instances, turf barriers which
once hindered problem solving are being overcome with the use of the SPIT model. It has also had
the effect of making staff in all units feel a sense of collective support and responsibility, which
now defines the research community at Michigan.
• Recognition Programs
As part of the strategy to elevate and recognize professional research administration at Michigan
the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) established the annual Distinguished Research
Administrator and OVPR Exceptional Service Awards in 2001. Nominations are requested
campus-wide.
The Distinguished Research Administrator Award honors individual staff members from any unit
at Michigan who have demonstrated over a number of years distinguished service exemplifying
the goals of professional research administration. The OVPR Exceptional Service Award honors
individuals or teams involved in any area of research administration work who have made outstanding
contributions which go beyond the ordinary fulfillment of the position’s duties. Each
winner receives an honorarium and an award plaque.
The Results
The University of Michigan has created a recognizable professional community, which can be used
as a model for other internal professional groups. Research Administrators Instructional Network
(RAIN) education and training programs are effective in building skills and knowledge. Research
Administrative Network (RAN) meetings have provided a gathering place for the community. The
emphasis on networking has also created an environment where administrators are more comfortable
communicating with their peers to share information and to problem solve. The cross-functional
problem solving teams (SPIT & SPA) have had a dramatic impact, not only by creating and
implementing solutions to issues affecting administrators, but also by serving as a model for the
process of crossing boundaries to solve problems. The Office of the Vice President for Research
(OVPR) awards brought university-wide recognition to the contributions of research administrators.
64 2005 Symposium Proceedings Book