Three members of the University of North Georgia's Grants and Contracts Administration staff presented a workshop on financial and research compliance at the 21st National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) held Feb. 28 to March 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Dr. Yolanda Carr, director of Grants and Contracts; Lourdes Bastas, associate director of post-award; and Gloria Beeco, grants accountant from the Office of Research Engagement, delivered the presentation.

The presentation discussed how to create a positive learning environment through collaborations and training of faculty, staff and administrators, as well as the university community.

"Exploration of effective strategies to educate the university on the importance of research and financial compliance and potential risks is an important part of what we do," Carr said. "Leading this workshop provided the opportunity to share lessons learned with colleagues across the nation."

The theme for the annual meeting was "Perseverance through Determination."

"The Office of Grants and Contracts Administration does outstanding work in building a culture of research, creative activity and engagement within the UNG community," said Dr. Andy Novobilski, UNG's chief research officer and associate provost for research and engagement. "Their approach to guiding faculty and staff as externally funded support increases has been exceptional."

The NCURA event drew more than 200 researchers from the United States and abroad.