Who We Are

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is the central pre-award administration office for all externally sponsored projects for James Madison University.  A unit within the Office of Research and Scholarship, the OSP is dedicated to providing progressive services that give JMU faculty and staff a competitive edge in obtaining external funding.

What We Do (find out more at Sponsored Programs Basics)

As the authorized institutional representative for grant applications, contracts, and other funding instruments, OSP is responsible for reviewing, negotiating and executing all contracts and agreements for JMU which involve sponsored projects.  The OSP provides assistance in proposal budget development and proposal submission. The office also reviews and signs off on all proposals to external sponsors.

Core Functions

• Disseminate funding opportunities/tailored database searches
• Review funding guidelines for regulatory compliance and interprets sponsor guidelines and federal/state regulations
• Assist with proposal and budget development
• Assist with sponsor forms
• Submit proposals (electronic and hardcopy)
• Review, negotiate and execute all contracts and awards with the University which involve sponsored projects
• Serve as liaison to funding agencies and sponsors
• Processe prior approval request, such as no-cost extensions and budget revisions
• Assist with post-award non-fiscal issues and project closeout
• Provide training, outreach, newsletters and reporting
• Advise the research community on matters that affect research administration

Our Mission

To enhance and facilitate the ability of faculty, staff, and students to develop and achieve their goals in research, educational programming, and service delivery through successful competition for external funding. Additionally, to provide excellect comprehensive service in sponsored program post-award administration to the JMU community. This mission is accomplished while maintaining responsible stewardship of extramural sponsored projects as directed by the values of our office, the University and the applicable federal, state, and agency regulations and policies.

Our Vision

To serve the University in the pursuit of resources to augment scholarly, educational, research, and public service activities to benefit, faculty, staff and students. 

Our Values

• Superior customer service 
• Responsible stewardship of resources 
• Transparency, integrity and honesty
• Effectiveness: producing high quality with available resources
• Inclusiveness: fostering interactions based on respect and diversity of viewpoints

Statement of Service

OSP serves the JMU community through provision of superior grants management expertise and customer service. We accomplish our objectives through strong internal collaboration, continuous professional development for our employees, the application of expertise in the effective administration of university awards and in providing tools and analytical services to support and facilitate the stewardship of sponsored funding.