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As part of the Research Support Transformation Project (RSTP), the Proposal Award Generalists (PAG) training initiative at Penn State was launched in early 2025. The program, rebranded as the Community of Practice for Research Administrators, benefits both new and experienced research administrators by offering a mix of perspectives; fostering learning, experience sharing and networking. While all are welcome, if you work with the College of Medicine or the Applied Research Laboratory, you should check in with your research office to confirm the Community of Practice would be a good fit and applicable to your area’s policies and procedures.

The Community of Practice for Research Administrators offers live sessions, networking opportunities and short introductory videos around the research lifecycle, as well as more in-depth videos focused on specific topics. By opting in to the Community, you’ll have free access to the following:

• • On-demand virtual content via Canvas
  • Optional knowledge checks without graded pressure
  • Live sessions for both new and seasoned research administrators
  • Centralized calendar of professional development offerings in research administration
  • Networking and resource sharing through Teams

1. Asynchronous Educational Content
   Flexible, self-paced educational videos are available through Canvas, Penn State’s course management system. Optional knowledge checks within the course are available to reinforce learning.
2. Live/Synchronous Sessions
   Live educational sessions are offered, which foster engagement across both emerging and seasoned professionals in pre- and post-award research administration. The sessions are recorded and included in the suite of asynchronous content within the Canvas.
3. Calendar of Professional Development Opportunities
   A calendar, available in Canvas, features the live sessions offered by the Community of Practice and other research administrator offerings from Penn State, including the Administrative Council on Research (ACOR) meetings and events, as well as other training opportunities outside of Penn State, such as the
4. Teams Groups
   Networking opportunities are supported through two Teams Groups for the pre- and post-award communities.

The Community of Practice for Research Administrators is made possible thanks to the support of our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who volunteer their time and expertise to lead the live sessions.

How the Community of Practice for Research Administrators integrates into other professional development for research administrators.

In support of professional development for research administrators, there is one other educational program available now – Administrative Council on Research (ACOR) Certified Education Series (ACES) – and one program that is under development – Skilled Training in Administration and Institutional Research (STAIR).

While ACES provides a structured, cohort-based certification program focused on comprehensive, synchronous learning across the research lifecycle, the Community of Practice offers a flexible, self-paced alternative emphasizing asynchronous availability and continuous learning. Both programs leverage the expertise of volunteer Subject Matter Experts from across the University to deliver content and foster engagement within the research administration community.

The Community of Practice for Research Administrators compliments the ACES program by providing on-demand educational content. Newly hired PAGs especially benefit from PAG Training, as ACES has limited enrollment. ACES is a structured, fee-based program with 17 modules delivered in a scheduled virtual classroom setting during the fall and spring semesters.

How to Get Started

To join the Community of Practice for Research Administrators, email co-leads Sue Ambro (ska6355@psu.edu) and Jenn Stewart (jas72@psu.edu).