Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Welcome to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Our Mission
The mission of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is to support faculty, staff, and students in the pursuit of academic, scholarly, and creative excellence as they seek external funding, to provide leadership in matters of compliance and research ethics, and to create opportunities that elevate research and the creative arts on our campus in line with MTSU’s mission and to serve our community.
What Do We Do?
Reporting to the Vice Provost for Research, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs handles all matters related to research and sponsored activity in the University. For the provision of adequate services and support, the functions of this office are divided into three major sections: Proposal Development, Grant Writing Support & Training, Research Compliance.
Post-Award has moved to the Business Office as of July 1, 2025.
As of July 1st, the Post-Award Specialists have transitioned to the Business Office.
Award Management Specialist assignments will remain the same. Find your department’s assignment by visiting https://research.mtsu.edu/staff/
Mike Zierman, Assistant Director of Grants and Contracts, will replace Rachel McGinnis as approver on all post-award forms such as EPAFs, PEFs, and contracts.
Reach out to research2@mtsu.edu if you have any questions about this transition.
| Pre-Award Functions | Post-Award Functions |
| Assist with understanding solicitation guidelines | Set up awards in the Banner system |
| Develop proposal budgets | Assure regulatory compliance (IRB, IACUC, etc.) |
| Review and provide feedback on proposals before submission | Process personnel documents |
| Review proposals for institutional and sponsor compliance | Initiate, execute, and close subcontracts |
| Submit proposals | Preview and approve subcontract invoices |
| Retain proposal records | Prepare programmatic and scientific progress reports |
| Review, negotiate, and accept award terms and conditions | Monitor and review budgets to prepare quarterly statements |
| Provide faculty with resources for research plan documents | Provide feedback and budgetary guidance for quarterly statements |
| Provide faculty with resources for proposal supporting documents | Initiate, review, and approve cost transfers |
| Initiate requests for grant modifications | |
| Submit modification requests to sponsor after ORSP approval | |
| Submit financial status reports and invoices to the funding agency | |
| Submit programmatic reports to the funding agency | |
| Complete grant closeout |
Ready to apply for funding? Click here to get started.
Contact Us
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
MTSU Box 124
2269 Middle Tennessee Boulevard
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2401