How do I request a Graduate Research Assistant or Graduate Teaching Assistant? To request a GRA, complete a Graduate Student Funding Request Form. 

Who can serve as a Principal Investigator? Please reach out to Aaron Akers at VTNSI-preaward-g@vt.edu as he will work with OSP to request PI eligibility on your behalf. 

Who makes the proposal budget? The VTNSI PMO pre-award team, VTNSI-preaward-g@vt.edu.

What is the institutes position on Cost Share? VTNSI holds the same position as the university; voluntary cost share is not allowed. 

How do I track my salary across sponsored projects? Working with the faculty member, the PMO team will create an effort plan which allocates PI effort to open projects. When a new project is funded, the faculty member's budgeted effort will be added to the plan. Over time adjustments may be made to the effort based on project specifics such as additional or reduced budget amounts, GRA effort, changes in travel or other expense category plans. A revised plan is provided at the beginning of each semester for review by the faculty member. Adjustments in the plan can be made at any time.

Who helps with the many forms required for each submission? the VTNSI PMO team is the primary contact for all proposal submissions and will assist in completing required forms. 

I've been notified that my proposal will be funded. What happens next? Please email VTNSI-award-g@vt.edu as the PMO pre-award team will notify ospcontracts@vt.edu on your behalf. 

Personnel Activity Reports (PARs): All faculty (instruction, research, adjunct/wage), extension personnel, professional staff (pay band 4 and above) and graduate students having part of their effort funded by externally sponsored activity or university funded committed cost sharing must certify effort on each funding source each semester. 

How much does it cost to support a summer GRA? See the VTNSI equitable rate information listed here.