OATdb Archive

2011 - 2012

Research Administration

Goal
Improve Post Award Processes
ORA seeks to improve the post-award processes so that faculty are better served by the administration for conducting research at SHSU.

Objective
Improve Reporting Capabilities And Compliance Administration
Office of Research Administration (ORA) seeks to improve reporting capabilities by producing reports in Cognos for researchers to use for the administration of their awards.  Additionally, ORA needs to generate policies that help researchers know how to administer their awards and remain compliant with external agencies.

KPI
ORA Seeks Constructive Feedback On Operations From Internal And External Users And Auditors
ORA should have zero findings related to internal and external audits of research expenditures.


Result
External Audit Findings
ORA underwent several audits during 11-12 that related to both 10-11 and 11-12 fiscal years.  The National Science Foundation conducted a desk review of operations resulting in seven finding from 10-11 operations.  The State Auditor's Office conducted a follow-up audit to one performed in fiscal year 2010.  This audit resulted in findings related to 10-11 operations, but not any for 11-12 operations.

KPI
Policies Drafted And Approved
ORA seeks to have seven new policies in place by the end of the fiscal year that will help researchers with the administration of their awards. 

Result
Progress On Development Of Policies
ORA researched compliance issues and developed outlines for 15 policies.  7 have been drafted at year end and 1 was drafted and approved by cabinet.

Action
Some Improvement
ORA was able to show some enhancements in reports from Cognos, but these are not being generally used.  Additionally, ORA did improve in audits with no findings in 11-12 operations, but 10-11 was still negative.  ORA was able to draft policies, but did not get them approved as anticipated.

ORA will work toward drafting and submitting policies for cabinet to review for approval.  Additionally, ORA will enhance training opportunities for SHSU faculty and staff.



Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement

Plan for continuous improvement Although we have made some inroads into having relevant policies developed, approved, and in place, there is still work to do.  The effort to be problem-free when audited will be ongoing.  We will be tackling the policies outlined but not yet written in the coming year.