Interim AVP, Office of Research Administration Optimization and Senior Director of Strategic Operations and Training
Author: Dr. April Carswell (ORA)
The Office of Research Administration (ORA) is excited to announce the development of the Office of Research Administration Optimization (ORAO), an exciting new initiative led by the Interim Assistant Vice President for Research, Lisa Wilson. Still in the development stage, this innovative office aims to enhance and align operational support for central and non-central (formerly known as Research Administration Services-RAS) pre- and post-award administrators as opt-in services for schools and centers.
The newly expanded team, which includes the Office of Strategic Operations and Training (SOT), will offer schools and centers numerous services and support, from enhancing processes to optimizing operations, from new hire training to leadership development; its mission is to establish an efficient and collaborative research environment throughout the university.
In addition to leading quality improvement projects, ORAO will host research administration certification study groups, quarterly cross-functional skills training meetings, bootcamps, & SRAi and NCURA webinars. The ORAO team will partner with schools and centers to create interdepartmental policies, ensure compliance, and conduct staffing analyses to determine the appropriate number and type of employees needed to achieve an organization’s objectives. The office will serve as the central hub for interdepartmental communication, IT resource coordination, and escalation management with schools and centers.
And let us not forget the fun part! ORAO will organize Research Week and the Dragon Awards/Spring Training Day. Please join us in congratulating Lisa Wilson on her new role, and stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming months!