It is our pleasure to announce a new round of applications for the Sponsored Research Administrator Mentoring Program.  Applications are due December 9, 2022, and participants are expected to be notified by mid-December. Read on for more information!

 

What is the Sponsored Research Administrator Mentoring Program?

This program, jointly supported by the AMG Research Administration Subcommittee Chair (Sarah McGovern), the ORPA Training Manager (Courtney Kohut), and an SRA Representative (Rita Jain) connects research administrators on campus, allowing for collaborations across departments and units. Whether you are looking to strengthen existing job tasks, learn the innerworkings of central office, find out more about research administration in hopes of elevating your current position on campus, or wish to provide someone insight into topic areas you are specialized, this program offers many opportunities depending on your goals and objectives.

 

Who should consider applying to become a mentee?

Anyone newly hired or promoted into a research administration role, or anyone interested in learning more about areas of sponsored research with which s/he is unfamiliar is welcome to apply. The only requirement is the willingness to commit to the program for the duration of the mentoring relationship.

 

Who should consider applying to become a mentor?

Anyone currently in a research administrator role who has demonstrated engagement with the research administration community on campus (such as attending Coffee with ORPA, SRA Wrap-Up sessions, and similar opportunities) is welcome to apply. We welcome applications from individuals as well as from groups! As with mentees, we require the willingness to commit to the program for the duration of the mentoring relationship.

 

What is the expected time commitment?

The program anticipates the commitment not to exceed 26 hours over 6 months. This is comprised of an estimate for the 6 months of 1 hour per week, which gives time for a one hour meeting every other week, and another hour of ad hoc questions/time.

 

I am interested in becoming a mentor, but worried about figuring out what my responsibilities would be. Will there be support?

YES! Review the Program Description and the Initial Session Guides for ideas regarding recommended activities. In addition, we are teaming up with HR to kick off the program with an orientation session.

 

The program is appealing, but I’m in a central office role, or I’m a departmental grants manager interested in learning more about central office roles. Is the program really meant for me?

YES! We have expanded the program with the intent to broaden the participation across campus, and to provide an opportunity for career growth to anyone who is interested.

 

Do you have an estimated timeline for the program?

Yes we do, here it is:

• Application deadline: December 9, 2022.
• Mentee/mentor matches made and applicants notified: Week of December 19, 2022.
• Orientation session led by HR: Early January 2023 (Date to be announced).
• Deadline to establish initial contact and agree to meeting schedules: January 27, 2023.
• Mid-assignment evaluation: March 31, 2023.
• Assignment end: Late June / Early July 2023, but renewable if there is interest from both mentor and mentee.
• Request for periodic updates from participants: Throughout!

 

I have questions you haven’t addressed above. How do I get in touch with you?

The program’s committee can be reached by emailing [email protected].

 

This program sounds exciting and I’m ready to apply! What’s the process?

Complete the mentor or mentee enrollment form as applicable, be sure to get approval from your supervisor, and email the form to us at [email protected] by December 9^th.

 

For more information, listed below are the links to the program description, the initial session guides and both the mentor and mentee enrollment forms.

• Program Description
• Initial Session Guides
• Mentor Enrollment Form (download before completing)
• Mentee Enrollment Form (download before completing)