Research Training and Education Services is pleased to share several upcoming opportunities for research administration staff available through Strategic Training in Research Innovation and Administrative Excellence (STRIVE).
STRIVE Mentoring
STRIVE Mentoring pairs new and experienced research administrators to build a supportive network for mentees and harness the collective expertise of mentors. Applications will be open until Friday, June 2.
The inaugural cohort will begin in July and last twelve months. Each month, mentor and mentee will meet to work toward identified professional development goal(s). There will be a mid-program check-in meeting, as well a program wrap-up meeting upon successful completion of STRIVE Mentoring.
Learn more about STRIVE Mentoring and apply as a mentor or mentee.
STRIVE Training Program
Applications are now open for the tiered STRIVE Training Program, which offers training for demonstrated competencies and proficiencies in research administration at three levels. The program begins on September 11, 2025, and will meet for 16 two-hour sessions throughout the academic year.
- Discovery: introduces participants to the basics of research administration, federal regulations, USC’s policies and processes and the full life cycle of an award, from its creation to management.
- Management: provides comprehensive training across central, college and departmental research administration operations to help participants build their knowledge and skills aligned with the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam.
- Senior: elevates operational efficiency and grows leadership skills through case studies, collaborative exercises, and hands-on activities focused on standard operating procedures, process improvement and leadership skills related to research administration.
Learn more about the STRIVE Training Program and apply. Applications will be open until Friday, August 1.
CRA Study Hall
CRA Study Hall is a guided self-study initiative designed to support eligible research administrators at USC in preparing for the nationally recognized Certified Research Administrator exam. This program offers a collaborative space to navigate the exam’s content areas and exam format, convening for 13 live virtual sessions on Tuesdays from 12 - 1:15 p.m. leading up to the opening of the testing window.
Learn more about CRA Study Hall and sign up to receive the Teams link.
Save the Date: STRIVE Research Administrators Conference
Plan to join us for the STRIVE Networking Breakfast and Award Ceremony on September 25, 2025, as we celebrate National Research Administrators Day. The Inaugural STRIVE Annual Research Administrators Conference, a statewide initiative, will take place September 26th. Both events will be held in Russell House.