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Research@KU

Updates on the Lawrence campus from the Vice Provost for Research — February 2007

Research Administration

News and announcements regarding research administration

Justifications for cost transfers
A cost transfer is an expense that is transferred between sponsored projects and other accounts after the expense is posted in the financial accounting system. The PI, authorized representatives, or administrative personnel from centers and departments should provide the following information when requesting cost transfers, including retroactive fund adjustments (RFAs):

  1. Describe in detail the expenditure(s) to be transferred (research supplies, travel, GRA salary, etc.).
  2. How will the transfer benefit the project?
  3. How did the error occur?
  4. Why is the error correction late? (If more than 60 days late.)
  5. What steps are being taken to ensure that this error will not reoccur?

If the correction is more than 90 days late, the PI and department head should sign the cost transfer request. Questions? Contact Susan Archer, manager, KUCR Sponsored Program Administration, sarcher@ku.edu or 864-7463.

Cost share verification forms due
Verification forms for cost share through December 31 are past due. If you have not already done so, please return the completed forms to KUCR Sponsored Program Administration as soon as possible. Questions regarding outstanding forms should be addressed to Susan Archer, manager, KUCR Sponsored Program Administration, sarcher@ku.edu or 864-7463.

NIH offers new online training tools for electronic submission of grant applications
The NIH Office of Extramural Research has posted new training resources on its electronic submission Web site.  Detailed information regarding "Electronic Submission of Grant Applications" (including the process, common errors and frequently asked questions) may be found at http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt.

Change in fringe benefit rates for proposal budget submissions effective Feb. 15
Effective Feb.15, fringe benefit rates included in all budgets for proposal submissions will be increased from 28% for faculty/staff to 32%.  No other fringe benefit rates will be adjusted at this time.  For more information on current fringe benefit rates, please see Proposal Services' Budget Preparation Information.

KUCR Business Services welcomes Brandi Cornett
Brandi Cornett joined the KUCR Business Services staff on December 18, 2006.  Brandi is the Business Services point of contact for several KUCR research units and is also assisting with KUCR cash receipts and deposits.

Mileage reimbursement rate change effective Jan. 1
The personal vehicle mileage reimbursement rate for KUCR funded travel is $.485 per mile effective January 1, 2007. 

U.S. Department of State Travel Warning List reminder
Traveling outside the USA?  Remember to monitor the U.S. Department of State Travel Warning List.  University of Kansas has specific guidelines for travel to countries on the warning list. See http://www.oip.ku.edu/~oip/travel/dangerous.shtml for details.

Big XII Sponsored Programs Conference to be held April 11–13
The University of Nebraska will host the Big XII Sponsored Programs Conference April 11–13 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln, Nebraska. The conference will include a presentation on the International Polar Year, a session on responsible conduct of research, breakout sessions with pre- and post-award tracks, and a Washington, D.C. update. For more information and to register, please visit www.unl.edu/research/BigXII. Questions may be directed to contact Jeanne Wicks at jwicks2@unl.edu or via phone at (402) 472-1825.