Training program 

The tiered Strive program offers training for demonstrated competencies and proficiencies in research administration at three distinct levels.

1. Discovery: introduces participants to the basics of research administration, federal regulations, USC’s policies and processes and the full life cycle of an award, from its creation to management. 

2. Management: provides comprehensive training across central, college and departmental research administration operations to help participants build their knowledge and skills aligned with the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam. 

3. Innovate (invitation only): convenes institutional decision-makers, including senior research administration leaders and AVP-level leadership, who are empowered to shape policy, implement process improvements and drive operational excellence across USC’s research enterprise. Innovate advances institutional alignment and systems-level solutions to strengthen research operations, reduce administrative burden, and enhance USC’s research competitiveness.

Program length: Academic year

Number of sessions: 8 in-person sessions and 8 asynchronous modules

 

Networking events

Our networking events offer a university-wide venue for grant colleagues to gather, receive updates and collaborate with other USC research administrators.

Frequency: At least twice a year, in the fall and spring semesters