Research Administration Academy Overview

The RAA program provides numerous benefits for both the employee and the institution. Employee benefits include the development of functional grant management skills and a clearer understanding of grant management responsibilities at Duke University. The investment by Duke University into its employees will provide the organization with a stronger employee commitment, a more stable and highly trained employee base, better information on which to make hiring decisions, increased support for Duke’s faculty, and improved financial controls.

RAA is open to any Duke University employee directly involved in managing sponsored research funds. However, employees who do not spend most of their duties supporting sponsored projects may find completing aspects of the program challenging.

Learning Tracks 

Learning Tracks are subject-based specialties designed to recognize the differences in research administration roles across the University. RACI positions are required to complete one certification track to fulfill their HR requirement, but may choose to complete additional tracks during their Duke career.  Managers should assign learning tracks to employees in Duke's Learning Management System once the employee completes the appropriate onboarding training.  

Eligibility

RAA is open to any Duke University employee directly involved in research administration. Participants will then complete Onboarding and applicable systems classes (SAP/SPS) during their first 60 days in the position. Upon completion of Onboarding classes, the employee should meet with their supervisor who will select the most applicable certification track.  Employees may complete more than one certification track and classes duplicative across tracks will not need to be duplicated once successfully completed.  

Participants are required to have the following system accesses before beginning the program.

• Sponsored Project System (SPS)
• SAP
• Grant Management tab in Duke@Work 

Beginning Certification

There is no formal application process for RAA and Onboarding Certification and system training are available to employees as of their first day of work. 

Review the RAA Program Outline for detailed information.  

It is important to note, because the RAA certification process is a critical component of Duke's broader research compliance framework, it is rigorous and designed for those who actively work in sponsored research at Duke. If you or your manager have questions about the applicability of the program to your role, contact ResearchFinanceEd@duke.edu before beginning any component.  

Coursework

Homework and Quizzes

Classes may have required pre-work or post-work. You must complete all assignments in the designated time frame to receive credit for a class.

Participants must complete a quiz after attending each certification track class. Quizzes must be passed with a mastery score of 80% or more within two attempts.  

Failure to complete all required class components, such as full attendance, pre- or post-session homework, and quizzes, may result in repeating the class.

Final Exam

RAA participants must also pass a final exam. The final exam will feature questions integrating concepts from all Onboarding, appropriate Systems, and Track classes and will require the application of learning to presented situations.  RAA participants can sit for the exam only after all course requirements have been met.

An RAA participant is certified when they pass the final exam with an 80% or greater score. Results below a passing score will be evaluated by OERAF and discussed with the employee and manager to determine appropriate next steps. 

Any questions about RAA policies or questions about certification should be sent to ResearchFinanceEd@duke.edu.