Getting Started (Title)
Where to Begin? (Subtitle)
So I have this idea…
Step 1: First Contact
 Contact your liaison. If you aren’t sure who your liaison is you can find out here.
 Your liaison can help you turn your research agenda into a successful sponsored project by
developing your concept, finding funding for your project/idea, or connecting you with other
resources both internal and external.
Step 2: Develop Your Proposal
 Talk to your department head about your project. They will ultimately have to approve your
proposal before it can be submitted for College and Institutional approval. The more they know
in advance the better your project will be expedited once it is submitted for internal approval.
 Setup a consultation with your liaison to review the funding announcement guidelines and
create a proposal development plan. The Research Administration staff can assist investigators
with the administrative sections of their proposal and can offer insight into agency
requirements.
 Let us know if you plan to use subcontracts so that we can get all necessary documents together
well in time for submission.
 Talk to your program officer because many are willing to talk about your ideas and tell you if
they fit with the sponsor’s funding priorities. They can also help answer questions about the
program guidelines.
Step 3: Research Protections
 If your proposal involves human subjects, animal subjects, or biological hazards you will need to
contact the research compliance officer.
 The compliance officer also manages Conflict of Interest and Export Controls
Step 4: Submit Your Proposal
 WCU uses the RAMSeS electronic submission system for all sponsored proposals. Your liaison
can assist with RAMSeS entry either in your office or in our conference room by appointment.
 You MUST get institutional approval through RAMSeS before your proposal can be submitted to
the funding agency.
Step 5: Negotiate the Award
 If your project is awarded Research Administration will work with the Legal Office to negotiate
the terms of your award. You will be asked to approve the terms before the award is officially
accepted.
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Once the award has been accepted it will be processed in RAMSeS and the Director of Grants
and Contracts in the Controller’s Office will contact you to set up a fund.
We will schedule an award meeting between the investigator(s), Research Administration, and
the Director of Grants and Contracts to review reporting requirements, answer any questions
about the award, and transition to post-award management of your project.