SPA Certification Program

Applications for Cohort 2 of the SPA Certification Program Now Closed

Thank you for your interest in the SPA Certification Program for Research Administrators!  Application submission for FY25 has now closed. Applications for FY26 will open in the summer of 2025. 

This Program is open to a committed group of early-career and/or new UT Southwestern staff who are interested in furthering their career in Research Administration. The second Cohort launched in September of 2024 and will conclude in August of 2025.  

Accepted applicants will be assigned to one of two Cohorts:

Cohort 1:  9:00 – 11:00 am
Cohort 2:  1:30 – 3:30 pm

FY25 Schedule

Basic Science

• September 11, 2024:  Research Administration Overview
• October 09, 2024:  Pre-Award Session 1
• November 13, 2024: Pre-Award Session 2
• December 2024: No class scheduled
• January 08, 2025: Pre-Award Session 3
• February 12, 2025: Post-Award Session 1
• March 12, 2025: Post-Award Session 2
• April 09, 2025: Post-Award Session 3
• May 14, 2025: Compliance and Audits

Clinical Research

• June 11, 2025: Clinical Research Services Overview
• July 09, 2025: Industry Agreements and Coverage Analysis
• August 13, 2025: End of Session Activity

While we encourage applications from all members of the UTSW research community, the intent of this program is to generally prioritize UTSW staff with 2 years of research administration experience or less, and staff who are newer to the UTSW community.

Important dates for FY26 application:

• Application opens:  TBD
• Applications due: TBD
• Selections announced: Summer 2025

Accepted applicants will be assigned to one of two Cohort sessions.  Participation in the program requires the following commitments:

• Attendance at your assigned Cohort session held at Trinity Towers.
• Completion of pre-course assignments for each class.
• Class participation
• Completion of evaluation and written assignment after each class and providing periodic program-level feedback as requested.

Detailed course information is available on the course syllabus. Please direct any questions to Alina Grays, Assistant Director. 

Ask for Guidance

Inquiries reviewed and assigned within 4 hours, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Leadership

Contact Us

Beth Bailey
Manager, SPA Education Program
beth.bailey@utsouthwestern.edu