The Department of Contracts and Grants (DCG) has launched a new USC Research Administration (RA) Navigator resource webpage designed to help the USC research community get the most out of the USC RA Navigator.
The USC RA Navigator is an AI-powered advisory resource available through USC’s ChatGPT Edu environment. It is designed to help Principal Investigators, Research Administrators, research staff, and other members of the USC research community locate guidance, better understand requirements, navigate institutional processes, and prepare stronger proposal submissions.
The new webpage brings together practical tools and guidance to help users engage with the Navigator effectively and responsibly.
Build Better Prompts
Not sure what to ask or how to ask it? The webpage includes sample questions and prompt-generation resources to help users develop clear, specific prompts that produce more focused and useful responses.
Users can explore common research administration scenarios, copy example questions, and access DCG’s Prompt Engineering for RA Navigator guidance. The prompt engineering resource introduces strategies for providing useful context, developing follow-up questions, requesting supporting sources, and organizing Navigator responses in ways that meet the user’s needs.
Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The webpage also connects users with a dedicated USC RA Navigator FAQ, providing answers to common questions involving proposal development, award management, research compliance, human subjects and animal research, research security, data privacy, and responsible AI use.
Together, these resources can help users understand both what the Navigator can do and when an official USC office or subject matter expert should be consulted.
Know What You Can (and Cannot) Enter
Responsible AI use and data protection are central to the new resource page. An interactive “Can I Enter This Information?” tool helps users consider whether different types of information are appropriate to include in a Navigator prompt.
Use the Navigator as a Resource, not a Decision Maker
The USC RA Navigator can support proposal planning, research administration training and onboarding, compliance awareness, understanding sponsor requirements, navigating USC processes, drafting administrative content, and identifying relevant USC offices and resources.
However, the Navigator is an advisory and educational resource. AI-generated responses should be reviewed and verified, and the Navigator does not replace professional judgment or required institutional reviews, approvals, signatures, or compliance determinations. Those responsibilities remain with the appropriate USC offices and authorized personnel.
Questions?
Please contact Noah Congelliere in the Department of Contracts and Grants.