The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) is a national organization of over 7,000 members. NCURA serves its members and advances the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and by fostering a professional, collegial, and respected community.

This document focuses on sharing knowledge and experience as a result of the recently conducted review of the research administration area of sponsored programs. Our objectives are to provide the institution with feedback on the institution’s management in support of research and to share recommendations and national best practices that might be considered at the institution.

While the review utilizes the NCURA National Standards, the Reviewers recognize that policies and practices vary at institutions and that not all Standards are applicable to each institution.

The NCURA peer review does not evaluate personnel, nor does it perform an audit function. The results of this review, therefore, cannot assure fiscal, regulatory, or ethical compliance with federal, state, or local regulations. The recommendations offered in this review report should not be construed as an exhaustive list as these recommendations necessarily represent an analysis by a particular set of Reviewers and at a single point in time. A decision by an institution not to adopt one or more recommendations does not mean, in any way, that the institution is failing to meet legal requirements. Rather, the recommendations reflect an opinion by nationally recognized research administrators who may not be fully cognizant of local history, environment, or decisions. This document does not provide legal advice. NCURA does not warrant that the information discussed in this report is legally sufficient.

  • The Executive Summary provides an overview of the report.
  • The Current Environment for Sponsored Programs section discusses the many influences and pressures that have recently affected research administration and created some of the current stresses.

The remaining sections provide a detailed discussion of the National Standards as applied to this institution and includes notable practices and recommendations throughout, along with the rationale for each.

NCURA will treat the contents of this report as confidential and will not disclose nor distribute the report outside individuals affiliated with the peer review program. There are no such restrictions on how the institution chooses to utilize the report.

NCURA Review Final Report