R7 PEDC
Professional Education Development Committee
About the PEDC:
The purpose of the PEDC is to support professional development activities for regional members and provide a broad range of educational services to ensure that all regional members have access to professional development programming.
Questions, Comments, Ideas for the R7 PEDC Chair
Use the below contact us box to message PEDC Chair about any questions, topic ideas for sessions, interest in presenting, volunteering or more!
Lori Shuler, University of Wyoming
Grow in Your Profession with Region VII: True Team Effort of a Project - Peeking through the window at a Data Analyst
Tuesday, September 22nd 2026, 10:00-11:00MT/9:00-10:00PT
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​Led by:
Nathan Layman - University of Idaho - Data Scientist
Nathan Wiggins - Southern Utah University - Data Scientist
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Research administration is becoming increasingly reliant on data roles that many offices have yet to clearly define. This session will:
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Differentiate between data analysts, data researchers, and data scientists
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Explain why data work should be approached on a portfolio basis rather than on a project-by-project basis
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Illustrate how upstream definitions, system design, and social structures impact the effectiveness of downstream reporting and compliance
The session concludes with practical advice on how to get started, enhancing data literacy across the office, and identifying opportunities to engage with the professional community.
Round Up with Region VII PEDC: Uniform Guidance Changes
Tuesday, August 18th 2026, 12:00-1:00MT/11:00-12:00PT
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​Led by:
Lori Shuler - University of Wyoming
Jennifer Jenkins - Utah State University
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Join us for an open discussion into the most ambitious overhaul of federal grant regulations in a generation. With the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) releasing sweeping proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) in May 2026, organizations face a new landscape of heightened oversight, strict liability, and shifted agency priorities.
Agenda & Discussion Topics:
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Cost Principles & Restrictions:
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Unallowable Costs: Tighter rules and new prohibited categories.
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Advertising, Publication & Conferences: New pre-approval requirements and restrictions on using funds for professional activities and travel.
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Operational Shifts:
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E-Verification: The expansion of mandatory E-Verify requirements to all recipients and subrecipients.
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Merit-Based Proposal Review: Changes to pre-issuance reviews and how awards are selected.
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Preferential Indirect Cost Rates: The new preference for discretionary awards to go to institutions with lower indirect cost rates.
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Legal Risks & Compliance:
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False Claims & AI Gaps: The "Administrative False Claims Act" updates, AI liability gaps, and the shift toward criminal punishment for false claims.
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Disparate Impact Studies: New national policy prohibitions and liability regarding disparate impact activities.
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Strategic Planning:
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Termination for Convenience: Understanding the expanded agency authority to terminate awards that no longer align with "agency priorities".
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Project Management: Will No-Cost Extensions (NCEs) still exist in this new environment? Plus, a look at Frontloading risks.
Webinar Format:
To ensure we cover this breadth of material effectively, we will adhere to a strict 10-minute limit per topic. If a discussion on any specific point (such as AI liability or E-verification) extends beyond 10 minutes, we will immediately open a dedicated Breakout Room for those who wish to continue that specific debate, while the main session proceeds to the next critical agenda item.
Round Up with Region VII PEDC: Uniform Guidance Changes
Tuesday, August 18th 2026, 12:00-1:00MT/11:00-12:00PT
​​
​Led by:
Lori Shuler - University of Wyoming
Jennifer Jenkins - Utah State University
​
Join us for an open discussion into the most ambitious overhaul of federal grant regulations in a generation. With the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) releasing sweeping proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) in May 2026, organizations face a new landscape of heightened oversight, strict liability, and shifted agency priorities.
Agenda & Discussion Topics:
-
Cost Principles & Restrictions:
-
Unallowable Costs: Tighter rules and new prohibited categories.
-
Advertising, Publication & Conferences: New pre-approval requirements and restrictions on using funds for professional activities and travel.
-
Operational Shifts:
-
E-Verification: The expansion of mandatory E-Verify requirements to all recipients and subrecipients.
-
Merit-Based Proposal Review: Changes to pre-issuance reviews and how awards are selected.
-
Preferential Indirect Cost Rates: The new preference for discretionary awards to go to institutions with lower indirect cost rates.
-
Legal Risks & Compliance:
-
False Claims & AI Gaps: The "Administrative False Claims Act" updates, AI liability gaps, and the shift toward criminal punishment for false claims.
-
Disparate Impact Studies: New national policy prohibitions and liability regarding disparate impact activities.
-
Strategic Planning:
-
Termination for Convenience: Understanding the expanded agency authority to terminate awards that no longer align with "agency priorities".
-
Project Management: Will No-Cost Extensions (NCEs) still exist in this new environment? Plus, a look at Frontloading risks.
Webinar Format:
To ensure we cover this breadth of material effectively, we will adhere to a strict 10-minute limit per topic. If a discussion on any specific point (such as AI liability or E-verification) extends beyond 10 minutes, we will immediately open a dedicated Breakout Room for those who wish to continue that specific debate, while the main session proceeds to the next critical agenda item.
Round Up with Region VII PEDC: Uniform Guidance Changes
Tuesday, August 18th 2026, 12:00-1:00MT/11:00-12:00PT
​​
​Led by:
Lori Shuler - University of Wyoming
Jennifer Jenkins - Utah State University
​
Join us for an open discussion into the most ambitious overhaul of federal grant regulations in a generation. With the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) releasing sweeping proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) in May 2026, organizations face a new landscape of heightened oversight, strict liability, and shifted agency priorities.
Agenda & Discussion Topics:
-
Cost Principles & Restrictions:
-
Unallowable Costs: Tighter rules and new prohibited categories.
-
Advertising, Publication & Conferences: New pre-approval requirements and restrictions on using funds for professional activities and travel.
-
Operational Shifts:
-
E-Verification: The expansion of mandatory E-Verify requirements to all recipients and subrecipients.
-
Merit-Based Proposal Review: Changes to pre-issuance reviews and how awards are selected.
-
Preferential Indirect Cost Rates: The new preference for discretionary awards to go to institutions with lower indirect cost rates.
-
Legal Risks & Compliance:
-
False Claims & AI Gaps: The "Administrative False Claims Act" updates, AI liability gaps, and the shift toward criminal punishment for false claims.
-
Disparate Impact Studies: New national policy prohibitions and liability regarding disparate impact activities.
-
Strategic Planning:
-
Termination for Convenience: Understanding the expanded agency authority to terminate awards that no longer align with "agency priorities".
-
Project Management: Will No-Cost Extensions (NCEs) still exist in this new environment? Plus, a look at Frontloading risks.
Webinar Format:
To ensure we cover this breadth of material effectively, we will adhere to a strict 10-minute limit per topic. If a discussion on any specific point (such as AI liability or E-verification) extends beyond 10 minutes, we will immediately open a dedicated Breakout Room for those who wish to continue that specific debate, while the main session proceeds to the next critical agenda item.
Round Up with Region VII PEDC: Uniform Guidance Changes
Tuesday, August 18th 2026, 12:00-1:00MT/11:00-12:00PT
​​
​Led by:
Lori Shuler - University of Wyoming
Jennifer Jenkins - Utah State University
​
Join us for an open discussion into the most ambitious overhaul of federal grant regulations in a generation. With the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) releasing sweeping proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) in May 2026, organizations face a new landscape of heightened oversight, strict liability, and shifted agency priorities.
Agenda & Discussion Topics:
-
Cost Principles & Restrictions:
-
Unallowable Costs: Tighter rules and new prohibited categories.
-
Advertising, Publication & Conferences: New pre-approval requirements and restrictions on using funds for professional activities and travel.
-
Operational Shifts:
-
E-Verification: The expansion of mandatory E-Verify requirements to all recipients and subrecipients.
-
Merit-Based Proposal Review: Changes to pre-issuance reviews and how awards are selected.
-
Preferential Indirect Cost Rates: The new preference for discretionary awards to go to institutions with lower indirect cost rates.
-
Legal Risks & Compliance:
-
False Claims & AI Gaps: The "Administrative False Claims Act" updates, AI liability gaps, and the shift toward criminal punishment for false claims.
-
Disparate Impact Studies: New national policy prohibitions and liability regarding disparate impact activities.
-
Strategic Planning:
-
Termination for Convenience: Understanding the expanded agency authority to terminate awards that no longer align with "agency priorities".
-
Project Management: Will No-Cost Extensions (NCEs) still exist in this new environment? Plus, a look at Frontloading risks.
Webinar Format:
To ensure we cover this breadth of material effectively, we will adhere to a strict 10-minute limit per topic. If a discussion on any specific point (such as AI liability or E-verification) extends beyond 10 minutes, we will immediately open a dedicated Breakout Room for those who wish to continue that specific debate, while the main session proceeds to the next critical agenda item.
Round Up with Region VII PEDC: Evaluating Risks in Industry Collaborations
Thursday, May 7th 2026, 12:00-1:00MT/11:00-12:00PT
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​Led by:
Farrell Rapp- University of Wyoming
Mary Kate Gorman- University of Wyoming
Trisha Southergill- Colorado State University
Becky Libera- Colorado State University
​
“Evaluating Risks in Industry Collaborations” focuses on identifying potential challenges and dangers that can occur when businesses form partnerships. The Risk Assessment process plays a crucial role in pinpointing financial, operational, and strategic risks, enabling companies to devise strategies to mitigate these challenges and foster successful collaborations.
Join us for an engaging discussion led by various Region VII Institutions, where we will explore how they navigate the unique situations arising from industry partnerships.
AI for Research Administration:
Where we are now and where we are headed
with Sylvia Bradshaw and Nathan Wiggins
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:00-11:00 am PST/11:00-12:00pm MST
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The Region VI Education and Professional Development Committee (EPDC) and Region VII Professional Education Development Committee are proud to announce our next lunchtime learning session. Sylvia Bradshaw, Executive Director of Sponsored Programs, Agreements, Research and Contracts (SPARC) and Nathan Wiggins, Data Scientist with SPARC have presented extensively in both regional and national opportunities, and in various formats (workshops, sessions, discussions, etc.) Sylvia is a Co-PI on the NSF funded AI4RA initiative in collaboration with the University of Idaho. Sylvia is a CRA and holds a Masters in Research Administration from Johns Hopkins. Nathan is SUU's Sponsored Programs Data Scientist, charged with the lead role of researching, developing, and deploying AI and automation tools in the sponsored programs office. He holds a Master's in Data Analytics and has over 5 years engagement with the world of research administration.
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Questions: For additional information or questions about the session, please contact EPDC Chair
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The first Round UP for 2026 will give you an opportunity to join in on one of our 3 Breakout Rooms or Network in our Social Lobby.
Room 1 - RA Whiteboarding
This room is for discussing all of the things that make our field special. You’ll have fun prompts from the room hosts to get to know the people in your community.
Room 2 - Pop Quiz!
Back by popular demand, we have more Slido Quiz games with RA-related trivia
Room 2 - New Year’s Resolutions
Share your best organization tools or come to inspire and motivate each other
Facilitator(s):
Sarah Martonick, - University of Idaho
Becky Libera- Colorado State University
Jennifer Jenkins- Utah State University
Sylvia Bradshaw- Southern Utah University
Lori Shuler- University of Wyoming
Joelina Peck- Arizona State University
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Led By:
Sarah Martonick, University of Idaho​
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Come celebrate Research Administrators Day! Yes, one day early but we just couldn’t wait. Everyone works so hard, no slow months in Research Administration anymore. We’ve put together 3 quizzes all related to Research Administration to test your knowledge on the full award lifecycle. Whether you are preparing for your upcoming CRA or just looking for a short break from the grind come join us for this Round-Up. Quizzes will be on Slido.com and small NCURA Region VII prizes will be awarded to the Leaders from each quiz
Led By:
Lori Shuler, University of Wyoming
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In the current uncertain landscape of Research Administration Professional Development (PD) is one
item that is getting looked at first for budget cuts. This webinar will focus on all NCURA benefits such
as Unlimited Log-ins; GriYP; Round-ups; YouTube Tuesday; PUI, Newsletter. We will also cover a
few other Professional Development resources such as COGR, RAD, and LinkedIn.
How to Maximize your Educational Development Budget During Uncertain Times
​Zoom Presentation 9/8/2025
Recording: https://youtu.be/YO5S_1wDt98
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Led By:
PreAward
Tracy Gatlin, Montana State University
Farrell Rapp, University of Wyoming
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Post Award
Jennifer Jenkins, Utah State University
Lori Shuler, University of Wyoming
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This month’s Round-Up highlights key discussions surrounding both Pre- and Post-Award topics within our Sponsored program realm. Pre-Award specialists will delve into important matters such as proposals and trigger words. Let’s explore what’s currently being approved in the Federal landscape and examine the alternative entities that organizations and institutions are considering to bridge shortfalls and sustain Higher Research Initiatives.
Join Post-Award specialists for a discussion on the new additional LOC Justifications in the Payment Management System (PMS) and ASAP, effective starting 5/19/2025. How is your organization or institution managing terminations and stop-work orders?
We understand that this can be a challenging time for everyone. This platform is designed to foster positive problem-solving. Come prepared for engaging conversations as we aim to share ideas, opportunities, and strategies for overcoming challenges with our NCURA Regional community. Let’s contribute to fostering a culture of positive dialogue.