The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is committed to the initial and continuing education of all grants managers on this campus. The purpose of the GMCP is to establish a structured environment for the professional development of the grants manager role. Our mission is to ensure that each and every employee responsible for the administration or participating in the process of grants management at the department or division level has the opportunity to become a highly trained and professional grants manager.
Contact: GMCP@uams.edu
Applicants
To apply for enrollment, please complete the application form at the link below. Be sure to include all requested information, including your supervisor’s name as approval is required. Our education coordinator will review your application and notify you of your enrollment status within two weeks.
Cohort
Each cohort begins January 1st through December 31st. Participants may enroll anytime during the year but must complete the course by December 31st.
Certification Requirements
The GMCP requires completion of ten (10) Workday on-demand courses and successful completion of a final exam within 12 months of starting the program. If unable to complete the course within this time frame, the employee will be dropped from the program. To renter the program, the employee must reapply and retake the course. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will be deemed UAMS certified in grants management. The participant’s supervisor and their department Chair will be notified.
Workday Learning Program
Once your application has been processed, you will be enrolled in the GMCP in Workday. You will receive an email regarding your enrollment, which will include a link to the courses. All completed course credits are tracked and can be viewed in Workday through your learning portal. Please be aware that these courses are also standalone in Workday, but they do not offer credit. Please only take the courses within the program to receive proper credit.
Link to GMCP in Workday: Coming December 2024!
Grants Management Program Alumni
The purpose of the UAMS Grants Management Program Alumni is to provide a continuing education forum for those individuals who have successfully completed the UAMS Grants Management Certification Program (GMCP) in order to strengthen their ability to successfully and efficiently manage grants and grant-related activities. Maintained eligibility in this program is required for all personnel who have continued responsibility for grant activities in their respective roles at UAMS.
Members
Members shall be those individuals (hereafter called Alumni) who have successfully completed the UAMS Grants Management Certification Program (GMCP) and maintain the required annual continuing education hours of 6 contact hours per calendar year.
Annual Enrollment
Participants must maintain the required 6 contact hours per calendar year to remain in the program, with automatic enrollment occurring each December 31st. Failure to meet the certification requirements will result in dismissal from the program, and a participant wishing to rejoin must reapply and retake the course.
Annual Events
Summer Meeting
The GMPA Summer Meeting is a valuable virtual event that offers crucial updates on ongoing issues within the field, featuring a guest speaker and insights from key division leaders, including the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS), and the Grants Accounting Office (GAO). Attendance is highly encouraged, as participants can earn 3 credit hours toward recertification, enhancing both knowledge and professional credentials.
Winter Meeting
The GMPA Winter Meeting is an in-person annual event dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of our members. It features a guest speaker and presentations from key division leaders, including the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS), the Grants Accounting Office (GAO), and the Travel Award recipient. Annual awards are presented to newly graduated participants of the Grants Management Certification Program (GMCP), Luminary Status awardees, and the Star Award. Attendance is highly encouraged, as participants can earn 3 credit hours toward recertification, enhancing both their knowledge and professional credentials.
Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge-sharing sessions are essential for continuous learning and development. In an era where regulations and technologies evolve rapidly, staying updated is crucial. The expert-led sessions provide a platform for ongoing education, keeping you abreast of the latest trends and best practices. These sessions are offered monthly, and attendance earns you 3 credit hours toward recertification.
Advanced Courses
Through the GMPA, you can choose from many advanced courses to enhance your skills, knowledge, and professional credentials. These on-demand sessions are available in Workday Learning, and attendance earns you 1 credit hour per course toward recertification.
National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Webinars
UAMS subscribes to four on-demand National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) webinars per year. These offerings are available to all participants of the Grants Manager Certification Program (GMCP) and Grants Manager Program Alumni (GMPA) who register through Workday Learning. Attendance earns GMPA members 3 credit hours toward recertification.
Conference Attendance
Attending conferences focused on research and grants administration is incredibly beneficial for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, network with peers, and stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in the field. These conferences offer invaluable insights into efficient grant management, compliance issues, and innovative research strategies, which can significantly improve our organization’s effectiveness. Moreover, participation can earn you up to 6 credits toward achieving luminary status, recognizing your commitment to professional development and excellence in grants administration. Engaging in these learning opportunities not only elevates your expertise but also strengthens our collective ability to advance impactful research initiatives.
Link to Workday survey for recording conference attendance: Coming December 2024!
Awards and Recognition
Travel Award
The GMCP Travel Award supports travel-related costs to attend grant administration related conferences. The Awards are for individuals who would not otherwise financially be able to attend a conference. The awardee receives up to $2,500 toward travel expenses associated with attending the conference. The awardees’ department is responsible for the registration fee and expenses beyond the award amount.
The criteria for selection are as follows:
- Be a current GMCP Alumni,
- Must demonstrate how attending the conference will enhance your role as a Grant Manager,
- Would not otherwise, financially, be able to attend the conference,
- Be responsible for making room and travel reservations through own department; and
- Agree to present a report on their meeting experiences at the GMCP Summer or Winter meetings.
Applicants need to submit their applications by April 30th for consideration for the following fiscal year’s travel award, which should be used by June 30th of that fiscal year. The GMCP Executive Committee is responsible for assessing applicant eligibility, and eligible candidates will have their applications entered into a lottery for the award allocation. This ensures a fair and transparent selection process where chance plays a role in determining the recipients post-eligibility clearance.
Luminary Status
Luminary Status is awarded to those alumni who have gone above and beyond the minimum requirement of six credits, achieving a remarkable total of at least twelve credits within the calendar year. This recognition is not only a testament to their dedication to continuous learning and improvement but also highlights their leadership within the grant management community.
Luminary members set a standard for their peers, showcasing the importance of ongoing education and the pursuit of knowledge in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of grant management. Each year, we honor our Luminary members during the Winter Meeting, celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the field. We encourage all alumni to strive for Luminary Status, as it represents a significant milestone in your professional journey and a commitment to excellence in grant management.
Star Award
The Star Award recognizes an outstanding member of the Grant Management Program Alumni (GMPA) who has exhibited exemplary dedication to research administration. Each year, we invite GMPA members to submit nominations that highlight individuals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, innovation, and a collaborative spirit in their work.
The nomination process is guided by the collective input of peers, ensuring that the recipient is chosen based on their significant contributions and impact on the field. We encourage all members to participate in this meaningful process, as your nominations help shine a spotlight on those who embody the values of our community and inspire excellence in research administration. The Star Award not only honors the recipient but also reinforces our commitment to fostering a supportive and engaged community dedicated to advancing research initiatives.
Please submit your Star Award nominations with a brief endorsement to GMCP@uams.edu.
Committees
Executive Committee
The GMCP executive committee plays a crucial role in the program’s success by overseeing operations, making strategic decisions, and managing financial matters. Comprising a chair, vice chair, treasurer, and secretary, the committee not only sets policies and organizes activities but also fosters member engagement and ensures compliance with bylaws. They address conflicts, represent the program externally, and facilitate communication among members, reinforcing the program’s objectives and community involvement.
The annual election of officers is in November for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. If you are interested in serving in any of these positions, we encourage you to submit a self-nomination to contribute your skills and leadership to our team.
Please submit your Executive Committee Member nominations with a brief endorsement to GMCP@uams.edu.
Education Committee
Our dedicated team is committed to enhancing our course offerings by organizing and developing high-quality continuing education opportunities. We invite you to be a part of this initiative and help shape the future of our educational programs. If you are interested in participating in the committee, please reach out to us at gmcp@uams.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ad hoc Committees
Within the GMPA, we recognize the value of collaboration and expertise, which is why we establish ad hoc committees as needed to address specific initiatives and challenges. We invite you to join us in shaping the future of our educational programs. If you are interested in participating in one of our committees, please contact us at gmcp@uams.edu. We look forward to your involvement and contributions!