SPA Classes

SPA classes are offered in addition to classes in the SPECTRUM program and often relate to time-sensitive topics. The SPA classes are often shorter in length and focus on the immediate needs of department research administrators.

All courses may be searched for by title in the Training Hub. See the full descriptions below and to register or start the course. A full course schedule for SPA and SPECTRUM classes is available. Please contact spatraining@umn.edu for any class registration or access issues.

Jump to the description to view a video or registration link for:

Class Descriptions

ASSIST for Single Applications

View the video tutorial

ASSIST is an NIH-created software option that works as an alternate web front-end to Grants.gov’s “Apply” that permits multiple people to work on a proposal at the same time. The system allows for pre-submission validation and for NIH business rules and pre-population of data from the eRA Commons profiles of the key personnel. After submission, ASSIST includes functionality for the user to track the submission status for both Grants.gov and eRA Commons systems. ASSIST also allows the ability to “clone” application data from previously prepared applications. This video will explain:

  • How ASSIST functions
  • ASSIST features that will help
  • How to set up a proposal
  • Proposal entry and processing

The video is geared to staff and administrators who develop and submit multi-project grant applications to NIH, and is strongly encouraged before starting a proposal in this system.

Data Management Plans

View the video tutorial

Build a foundation of knowledge to prepare for agencies' data management plan roll-out, which has been dictated by the federal Office of Science and Technology. Specifics have not been fully announced by the agencies, but likely requirements will include:

  • A data management plan, which will be evaluated as a component of the grant application. This plan will describe the data being collected, strategies for documentation, storage, any considerations surrounding intellectual property, sensitive information or personally identifiable information, plans for sharing and long-term preservation.
  • Finalized data sets preserved and publicly shared, ideally through existing, public repositories
  • Subject to compliance through progress reports

EGMS Refresher

Register for EGMS Refresher

The Electronic Grants Management System (EGMS) proposal creation software was built here at the University of Minnesota for the University community.

This class will review common elements of the system, such as:

  • Setting up a proposal type that would work with Grants.gov
  • How EGMS handles budget calculations
  • What else needs to be completed to freeze the proposal and create the PRF

Users will discuss the most common issues taken from calls to the EGMS helpline and learn how to avoid common proposal pitfalls. This class is for individuals who have EGMS experience or would like a refresher. Offered once a semester.

Getting to Know the PRF

Take this course: Getting to Know the PRF

This course is intended for individuals who are new to the Proposal Routing Form (PRF) or sponsored projects, though is also useful as an informational resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the form and its components, related concepts, and topics. The course will cover the questions in the form as well as how to initiate, modify, and submit a PRF.

This class will cover:

  • How to navigate to and initiate a PRF
  • Background, associated information, and related topics on each of the PRF's 25 questions
  • How to amend, route, and submit a PRF

ORCiD, what is it and why do I need to know?

Register for ORCiD, what is it and why do I need to know?

View the video tutorial

ORCID provides a unique persistent digital identifier (an ORCID iD) that is owned and controlled by the individual.  It links you to your publications and distinguishes your work from the work of other people with similar names.  Many Federal Agencies are reviewing making its use mandatory.  A Research Services Librarian will cover the key elements about this useful instrument and what you need to know. Offered once a semester.

SciENcv for NIH Biosketches

Register for SciENcv for NIH Biosketches

View the video tutorial

Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae is an online tool that helps researchers create a research profile that they can use to complete a variety of different sponsor’s biographic sketches in the sponsor’s sanctioned format. SciENcv provides access to a researcher-claimed data repository with information on expertise, employment, education and professional accomplishments to create and maintain biographical sketches that are submitted with grant applications and annual reports. The system both minimizes burden and guarantees compliance with agency regulations. It is the biosketch tool promoted (and preferred) by both NIH and NSF. The class is taught by a Health Science Library expert. Offered once a semester.

SciENcv for NSF Biosketches

Register for SciENcv for NSF Biosketches

View the video tutorial

Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae is an online tool that helps researchers create a research profile that they can use to complete a variety of different sponsor’s biographic sketches in the sponsor’s sanctioned format. SciENcv provides access to a researcher-claimed data repository with information on expertise, employment, education and professional accomplishments to create and maintain biographical sketches that are submitted with grant applications and annual reports.  The system both minimizes burden and guarantees compliance with agency regulations.  It is the biosketch tool promoted (and preferred) by both NIH and NSF.  The class is taught by a Health Science Library expert. Offered once a semester.

xTrain

View video tutorial 1: xTrain: How to Get Started

View video tutorial 2: xTrain Termination

xTrain is an online application, part of eRA Commons, that allows both grantees and federal staff to access and share administrative grant information. Institution users electronically prepare (enter data), route, track, and submit Appointments Re-Appointments, Amendments, and Termination Notices in the system. xTrain is also used by Agency grants management staff to process Appointments and Termination Notices submitted electronically.

Video tutorials will explain:

  • The system’s key roles
  • How to get started navigating the screens
  • How to process forms PHS 2271 (the appointment form) and PHS 416-7 (termination forms)

These videos are geared towards individuals who will be working with NIH Training Grant awards or have interest in the subject.