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Information and Resources related to the 2025 U.S. Presidential Administration Transition can be found on the Federal Updates Resulting From Administration Transition webpage. We will continue to update the page as new information and resources are identified.

Sponsored Programs Advisory Committee

What is SPAC?

Chaired by the Associate Vice President for Research, Twila Reighley, the Sponsored Programs Advisory Committee (SPAC) was created in 2014 with guidance from the MSU Strategic Plan and was tasked with the role of listening to those involved in providing SPA/OSP/CGA support. During its first year, SPAC established its goals and process, communicated on key issues, highlighted the need for data and metrics, reviewed perceived/actual bottlenecks and improvements, and provided ideas and prioritization.


Purpose

  1. Enhance understanding and promote intended outcomes – improved practices, compliance, communication, and support.
  2. Provide thoughtful consideration on issues and/or practices that have conflicting requirements and expectations; particularly those that impact faculty.
  3. Gauge impacts of implementation of new requirements through diverse perspectives and experiences.
  4. Inform the Associate Vice President for Research (AVPR) on faculty concerns related to existing practices within Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Contract and Grant Administration (CGA).

Who is on SPAC?

SPAC is comprised of eight faculty (two of which are college research deans) and five to six college or department administrators.  Each member is nominated by their college and it is anticipated that they serve a three-year term, typically meeting 3-4 times per academic year, and representing more than eight colleges.  During the 2023-2024 academic year, three regular SPAC meetings were held, plus an additional orientation meeting for new members.


Accomplishments

SPAC Accomplishments: 2024 – 2025

  • Policy and Process Feedback

SPAC reviewed and provided feedback on several policies and processes that affect SPA/OSP/CGA operations. Topics included research security disclosures and training, cybersecurity awareness training, and requirements for Current & Pending/Other Support disclosures.

  • Enhancing Online Resources

Members offered input on SPA/OSP/CGA’s online materials and tools. This included feedback on changes to the Proposal Development questionnaire in Kuali Research (KR) and ideas for streamlining communication about changes occurring between the proposal submission and award setup stages.

  • Adapting to Changing Agency Requirements

The committee discussed a range of updates to sponsor requirements, such as new IT and data security standards, research security training mandates, use of ORCID iDs, and updated common forms. SPAC contributed ideas for enhancing campus compliance and education efforts in response to these changes.

  • External Trends and Changes in the National Research Landscape

SPAC explored broader shifts in the research environment, including increasing administrative demands and evolving federal agency priorities related to the political transition. Members shared insights on how changing timelines, award terminations, and proposed adjustments to F&A reimbursement rates are affecting their units and research activities.

  • Improving Campus Engagement

Members suggested ways to improve faculty and campus-wide awareness of SPA/OSP/CGA services and resources. Recommendations included enhancing communication through unit administrators, continuing outreach to research deans and key stakeholder groups, and collaborating with other units to embed information and links in related instructional materials.

  • Unit Research Administrator Spotlight Award Service

SPAC played a key role in selecting recipients for the 16th and 17th Unit Research Administrator Spotlight Awards. Four members served on one of the recommendation panels for the Fall and Spring award cycles.

  • Feedback on SPA/OSP/CGA Services

Most members shared consistently positive feedback on SPA/OSP/CGA’s services, citing strong partnerships and effective communication with unit research administrators. Generally, they emphasized the continued high level of service and support they receive from staff and offered suggestions to help alleviate some of the existing pain points.

SPAC Accomplishments: 2023 – 2024

SPAC Accomplishments: 2022 – 2023

SPAC Accomplishments: 2021 – 2022

SPAC Accomplishments: 2020 – 2021

SPAC Accomplishments: 2019 – 2020

SPAC Accomplishments: 2018 – 2019

SPAC Accomplishments: 2017 – 2018

SPAC Accomplishments: 2016 – 2017

SPAC Accomplishments: 2015 – 2016

SPAC Accomplishments: 2014 – 2015

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