About the Office of Sponsored Programs

Also widely known as "research administration" or "grants and contracts administration", the Office of Sponsored Programs procures and manages external funds for investigator-initiated projects and activities.

External funds can be awarded from many different kinds of sponsors (federal, state, local government, non-profit, corporate, etc.) and can take many different forms (grant, contract, cooperative agreement, etc.). Investigators, commonly referred to as “PIs” or “Principal Investigators,” are faculty or staff at the university who are proposing research, service, or creative activities to be funded by a sponsor. Such projects are typically related to their work at the university but are outside their current job responsibilities. Externally funded projects generally have a defined project period and line item budget, as well as sponsor-required deliverables. However, every award is different.

The Office of Sponsored Programs helps PIs to develop proposals that are competitive and responsive, both programmatically and technically, and manage subsequent awards to ensure compliance. OSP staff are trained and educated in the latest requirements and regulations at all levels, including UNG, University System of Georgia (USG), state entities, and federal agencies.

Mission Statement

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is the designated pre-award and post-award administration office for the University of North Georgia and supports the campus community’s externally funded research, service, creative activities, and outreach initiatives.

The mission of the Office of Sponsored Programs is to:

  • Provide the University and its faculty and staff with proficient, professional, and quality customer service and support
  • Ensure proposals and awards are prepared and monitored in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations, as well as University policies and procedures
  • Serve as a liaison between the University and current funding sources
  • Provide assistance and training to faculty and staff regarding funding opportunity identification, proposal development and submission, and grant negotiation, management, and closeout
  • Secure and initiate awards by reviewing contract and grant award terms and obtaining necessary approvals and signatures
  • Manage awards through responsible stewardship and compliance oversight
  • Maintain and provide detailed and accurate records on all external grants and contracts proposed and received by the University, ensuring compliance with sponsor expectations and regulatory requirements