Our responsibility is to assist you through every phase of your research project. To that end, we've assembled these proposal resources to assist you and we also stand ready to help. Please contact us with your questions.

To get started on your proposal, first review the following tips and information:

• All proposals for external funding MUST be approved by WCU prior to submission to funding agency via RAMSeS (see RAMSeS introduction below).
• All Proposals must be routed via RAMSeS and electronically approved by al IPF Approvers (certified by all principal investigators, the department head or equivalent, and the dean of the college or equivalent) before being submitted to ORA via RAMSeS for University approval.
• Research Administration must receive your proposal package five (5) business days before it is due to the sponsor.   This gives us the opportunity to ensure your proposal meets all the university and sponsor requirements and has the best chance of getting funded. Plan ahead!
• Proposals received by Research Administration the day they are due to the sponsor run a high risk of not being submitted.
• Be aware of all deadlines and allow plenty of time for submission. 
• Contact the Program Officer at the funding agency of interest to ask for advice.
• If proposal is declined, ask for the comments from the reviewers.
• Do not be discouraged if a proposal is rejected at first.
• Make sure all forms are filled out completely and accurately and all required attachments are included.

The Ten Steps to a Successful Proposal are on the right.  Depending on your experience, jump into the process where you feel comfortable, but remember that at any point you can call us for assistance.  Good luck!

What is RAMSeS?
Beginning this fiscal year (FY 2011), Western Carolina Implemented a new UNC universal Sponsored Research system (as required by UNC-GA). The sponsored research approval process is now managed via RAMSeS (Research Administration Management System and eSubmission). RAMSeS is the program that has replaced the UNC SPARC system. RAMSeS will offer principal investigators and research administrators a wider range of proposal management and enhanced tracking capabilities.

One new feature that will significantly impact the current internal approval process is the electronic routing of the Internal Processing Form (eIPF). No longer will PRPs be hand-carried to department heads, deans or ORA for sign-off. Instead the eIPF will be electronically routed and approved.

An important part of this approval process involves a separate certification of eIPFs by PIs. Upon submission of an eIPF, PIs will receive an e-mail from RAMSeS requiring them to review the eIPF and agree to the terms and conditions described therein. An e-mail will also be generated and sent to the department head and dean notifying them of the pending eIPF(s) review and approval. PIs will also be able to review the approval status of each of their proposals and track their entire research portfolio via the RAMSeS system.

RAMSeS Manual

This new information technology improvement will have a positive impact on the Dean, P.I. and all Sponsored Research endeavors here at Western Carolina University. For questions regarding RAMSeS, please call:

Research Administration
828-227-7212