Last December, the Research Administration Initiative was introduced to Fast Five readers. This initiative is one example that demonstrates how Rice is preparing for its anticipated growth in research and faculty hires. Central to this initiative was the launch of the Skills Training for Administrative Research Staff (STARS) program. STARS, a training program focusing on skill development and support for grant administrators, initially launched as a pilot program where participant feedback was gathered for program enhancements. Since the pilot's completion, four cohorts of 120 research administrators have successfully completed the training!
The STARS program comprises ten courses covering the entire grant lifecycle, including pre-award, post-award, and compliance. STARS participants meet weekly for two-hour workshops led by campus experts and leaders who share their knowledge and vast experience with the group.
Amy Tang, executive administrator for the Bioengineering department, said the program has been “an invaluable resource” for research administrators and that learning from peers and exploring best practices is “incredibly beneficial.” Liz Hutchinson, senior department administrator for the Civil and Environmental Engineering department, shared similar sentiments, adding that the relationships built have extended beyond the program, encouraging “smaller subgroups of people to share materials and best practices and to collaborate more closely.” Hutchinson indicated the program brought awareness of the full spectrum of research activities, giving her an appreciation for “the varied things on a faculty member's plate and how that impacts a department's workflow.”
In addition to the fifth STARS cohort launching this fall, new courses covering topics such as iO Dashboard Details, Pre-Award Management, and Sub-Award Management will be released. The new classes are tailored for former STARS participants and community members who want to dive deeper into grant administration.
The STARS program and expanded offerings for research administrators demonstrate Rice’s commitment to fostering an environment where faculty are supported and research can flourish. By equipping grant administrators with comprehensive training, the university not only enhances the efficiency of grant management but also ensures compliance and best practices are uniformly upheld. This systematic support is crucial as Rice anticipates increased research activity and faculty hires, creating a more seamless and supportive environment for scholarly pursuits.
Interested in learning more?
- Sign up for the Research Administration listserv to be the first to hear about upcoming learning opportunities, such as July registration for the next STARS cohort.
- Email researchadmin@rice.edu for more information about STARS and how to get involved.
