REACH Program

Overview of the REACH Program

Under the direction and management of the University-wide Research Administration Training Team (URATT), the Research Excellence in Administration Certificate at Harvard (REACH) program is an interactive and engaging cohort-based certificate program specifically designed for Harvard research administrators and other personnel engaged in assisting in the management of sponsored funds. Currently the REACH Program has two levels, Foundations and Intermediate, with plans for an Advanced (Capstone) level in the Fall of 2013.

Foundations of Research Administration: Level 1

The Foundations curriculum is meant to provide a practical understanding of grants management to research administrators who process transactions charged to sponsored projects, prepare proposals, administer sponsored awards for faculty members, or oversee others with the above responsibilities. The curriculum consists of weekly two-hour classes over thirteen consecutive weeks. After this course, participants should be able to administer research projects from proposal to closeout and audit and be able to identify resources and the appropriate subject matter experts when questions arise. Ideal candidates will have experience with Harvard systems and procedures required to process and approve transactions, a working knowledge of Excel, an understanding of the Harvard Chart of Accounts, and will have taken the Overview of Sponsored Projects Administration one-day workshop. For more information, please see the Foundations course information sheet.

  • Please click HERE for the Foundations course schedule for Spring 2013.

Intermediate Level: Level 2

The Intermediate program will utilize case studies to generate thoughtful discussion in the context of a large fictitious grant fraught with policy, regulatory and ethical issues that need to be addressed. Applicants to the Intermediate program are expected to possess a solid understanding of grants administration issues and are expected to actively contribute to discussions. The program will consist of eight to nine bi-weekly, three hour classes. After successfully completing the program, participants are expected to possess a strong comprehension of grants administration issues from multiple perspectives, and be able to readily apply knowledge and skills learned in the program to their current roles. Ideal candidates will possess at least 3-5 years of related experience.

  • Please click HERE for the Intermediate course schedule for Spring 2013.

REACH Program Online Application Forms

Foundations of Research Administration - Level 1:
Click here to apply for the REACH Foundations Program  We're sorry, applications for the Spring 2013 cohort are currently closed, but applications for the Fall 2013 cycle will be available later this summer. 

Intermediate - Level 2:
Click here to apply for the REACH Intermediate Program We're sorry, applications for the Spring 2013 cohort are currently closed, but applications for the Fall 2013 cycle will be available later this summer.

Selection Process

Applicants will be asked to complete an application and a short essay. An admissions committee will review these applications and each applicant will be informed via REACH@harvard.edu of admission status. The goal of the admissions committee will be to create a balanced cohort with University-wide representation.

Local REACH Program Contacts

For more information about the REACH Program, we encourage you to contact your local REACH Representative. Here is a list of the local REACH contacts:

Charlene Arzigian, Kennedy School
Kate McCormick, Graduate School of Education
Karen Woodward Massey, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Eileen Nielsen, School of Public Health
Jeff Seo, School of Medicine
Eric Asetta School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Roseann Luongo, Central Administration and all other Schools

FAQs

Q. Do I need to be a Harvard staff member to apply to this program?
A. Yes, you need to be an active Harvard staff member to apply and participate in this program.

Q. Will completion of this program mean I will get a promotion, raise, or bonus?
A. While participation in this program will provide you with an excellent opportunity for professional and personal growth and may give you the competitive edge needed to advance your career, successful completion of this program will not automatically result in a promotion, raise, or bonus.

Q. Is completion of the Foundations program a pre-requisite for the Intermediate program?
A. No, you do not have to complete the Foundations program prior to participating in the Intermediate program.

Q. Why is there an application?
A. The application process allows us to identify interested candidates with a need for this training, assess their commitment to the program, and optimally balance the cohorts with University-wide representation.

Q.Are there pre-class assignments or homework each week?
A. Yes there will be some reading requirements, as well as a light assignment most of the weeks. The program is designed to effectively immerse participants in grant administration and therefore we anticipate learning to take place both inside and outside of the classroom.

Q. I have some questions about the program, who should I contact?
A. Please contact your local REACH representative , or REACH@harvard.edu and we can direct you to the appropriate person to speak with.

Q. Will these courses be held during the day or evening?
A.These courses will be held during the work day. Please see below for the Spring 2013 course schedules:

Q. If I applied to the REACH Foundations or REACH Intermediate programs during the Pilot offering, do I need to re-do the application if I apply now?
A. Yes. For the Fall 2012 and furture cohorts, we have moved to a new, streamlined online application. Please feel free to 'recycle' your previous resume and personal statement, but you will need to complete the rest of the new application online.

Q. If I did not complete the Pilot offering of the REACH Foundations program, am I still eligible to apply for the REACH Intermediate program?
A. Of course! Completing the REACH Foundations program is not a pre-requisite for acceptance into the Intermediate program.