What is the Symposium for Research Administrators?
This is an annual event with sessions concerning:
- Updates within the field of research administration
- Updates to regulations
- UNC-specific updates
- Sessions on both basic and in-depth concepts within research administration
Importantly, the Symposium also provides an opportunity for Research Administrators and those in the central offices who are involved in research to network and connect.
Who should attend the Symposium?
All research administrators and staff members involved with research are encouraged to participate in the Symposium. Whether you work in a central research or compliance office, are a campus research administrator, a clinical coordinator, finance staff, or a Principal Investigator, this event can benefit your University research administration knowledge.
I am new to Research Administration, is it beneficial for me to attend?
Yes, there are sessions that will benefit those of all levels in research administration.
I have been working in Research Administration, will it be beneficial for me to attend?
Yes, there will be sessions that will focus on specific aspects of research administration, as well as regulation and process updates.
What areas of Research Administration will be covered?
Each year, the symposium committee selects relevant topics to provide additional details, instructions, and discussion on various Research Administration topics. Sessions will include topics ranging from a proposal to award closeout management.
Can I submit a session or topic ideas?
We always encourage, and welcome, session and topic ideas. Please use the Contact Us page on our website.
Can I volunteer to help with the symposium?
Volunteers are not needed during virtual events but we encourage you to email OSPSymposium@unc.edu if you are interested in helping plan or contribute to next year’s event.
Will the symposium provide opportunities to network?
A significant aspect of why our symposia are so successful is due to the vast opportunities for networking these events provide. Although networking is more accessible in person, we still encourage you to interact with others attending virtual sessions as well.
Will the presentations be available prior to the event?
The presentations will be available on the day of the event.
How do I access the presentations and recordings after the event?
All presentations and available recordings will be available on the Current Symposium page.
My question is not listed here, who should I contact?
We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns via email at OSPSymposium@unc.edu.
How do I join a Zoom meeting?
You can join a meeting by clicking the “Join” meeting link from the Schedule Tab on the 2024 Symposium page. Learn more about joining a meeting.
How do I join computer/device audio?
On most devices, you can join computer/device audio by clicking Join Audio, Join with Computer Audio, or Audio to access the audio settings. Learn more about connecting your audio.
Will the sessions be live?
There will be a mix of live webinar presentations and panel discussions.
Will the sessions be interactive?
It is up to you how interactive you want to be during each session. Live webinar presentations will allow you to “raise your hand” and ask questions throughout the session. Panel discussions will allow you to submit questions ahead of time as well and have your questions asked and answered live with one of our presenters.
How do I submit questions during sessions/presentations?
Each session will begin with brief instructions on utilizing the “raise your hand” and “ask a question” and “chat” features in Zoom Webinars. Symposium staff will be in attendance during all sessions to assist with any technical issues as well.
Do I have to have a webcam to join on Zoom?
You are not required to have a webcam to join a Zoom Meeting or Webinar. During webinars, participants will not be able to share video of themselves, but they will be able to see all speakers/panelists via video. In Zoom Meeting links (those we will use for our live help/support links), you will be able to use video or share your screen.
What else do I need to attend?
In addition to a computer, internet, and Zoom, you may want to have a notebook and pen ready to take notes on any relevant information.
Will I receive instructions on Zoom webinars and meetings prior to the event start?
Yes, you can review instructions and information on best practices for attending Zoom events here.
Will these sessions be recorded?
Yes, you will be able to access the recording via the Schedule Tab on the Current Symposium page. They are typically available 24 hours after the event.
How do I join a breakout room?
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- The host will need to invite you to join the breakout room.
- Click Join.
- If you choose Later, you can join by clicking the Breakout Rooms option in your meeting controls.
- Click Join Breakout Room.
You will have access to full controls similar to the meeting.
How do I self-select a breakout room?
If the host has allowed participants to self-select and join breakout rooms of their choosing, participants will be able to view and select from a list of breakout rooms the host has created. They will be able to enter and leave breakout rooms freely.
Note: Participants not joined with the desktop or mobile app will not be able to self-select a breakout room. The host will need to facilitate moving these participants manually.
- Click the Breakout Rooms option in your meeting controls.
This will display the list of open breakout rooms created by the host. - Join next to the Breakout Room you wish to participant in, then confirm by clicking Join again.
- Repeat as necessary to join other breakout rooms, or click Leave Room to return to the main session.
What if I have technical issues during the event?
We will have Zoom Meeting – Live Help/Support links you can join to get help or you can email us at OSPSymposium@unc.edu. The Zoom meeting links will be updated at the start of the event.
My question is not listed here, who should I contact?
Please email any questions or concerns to OSPSymposium@unc.edu.
The Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) will accept one contact hour for each hour of participation accrued at the Symposium by attending a research administration-related in-person session or online session. Sessions available for RACC continuing education credit are noted in the full schedule.
How do I get documentation verifying my contact hours for the online sessions I attended?
To receive documentation of your participation in any applicable session/course, you must complete the RACC CE Form. You will receive a letter verifying your participation in all sessions you joined on Zoom.
*Important* – On your Zoom profile, please ensure that your full name is listed, or that you enter your full first and last name when joining a webinar. We will pull participation records for all attendees in Zoom and use this to complete your verification letter for RACC.
What if I call in from my phone and can’t enter my name?
It is recommended that you update your display name in Zoom once you log on. The form has a field where you can enter the phone number(s) you used to call into a Zoom session. We will match all participation records with the full name you submitted on the form. Just be sure you are using the same name you would when applying to RACC for recertification.
When will I receive my contact hours documentation letter?
We anticipate having letters sent to attendees who request them within 3 weeks after the Symposium. If you require a letter sooner or have any further questions, please email OSPSymposium@unc.edu for assistance.
Who can I contact if I don’t receive my contact hours documentation letter after the event?
Please email OSPSymposium@unc.edu for assistance.
