USC RA Navigator Guide
Write Better Prompts. Get Better Answers.
Tell the USC Research Administration Navigator what you are working on, what you need, and how you want the answer organized. A few clear details can turn a broad question into useful, actionable next steps.
Start with the Difference
See What a Stronger Prompt Adds
A useful prompt gives the Navigator enough context to understand your role, your work, and the type of response you need.
Before
“How do I submit an NIH proposal?”
The topic is clear, but the Navigator must guess your role, proposal type, lifecycle stage, compliance context, and the type of response you need.
After
Add a few specific details to produce a more useful answer.
“I am a new Principal Investigator preparing my first NIH R01 proposal at USC. The project involves human subjects research. Explain the proposal preparation and routing process as a step-by-step checklist, including required reviews and common delays.”
What changed: The improved prompt identifies the user, sponsor, proposal, research activity, requested information, and preferred response format.
A Simple Formula
Use CRAFT to Shape Your Prompt
You do not need special AI terminology. Include the five details that affect the answer you need.
Context
Who you are and the situation you are working through.
Research Activity
Where you are in the sponsored-project lifecycle.
Ask
The explanation, comparison, or action you need.
Format
Checklist, table, summary, email, or another useful format.
Target
Who will read or use the response.
Interactive Tool
Build Your Prompt
Complete the fields that apply. The builder will organize your information into a ready-to-use prompt.
Your Prompt
Ready to Review and Copy
Review the generated prompt and make any needed changes before using it with the Navigator.
Keep the Conversation Going
Improve the Answer with a Follow-Up
You do not need to start over. Select what you want the Navigator to do next.
Your Follow-Up Prompt
Choose a follow-up action
A ready-to-copy follow-up prompt will appear here.
Use AI Responsibly
Check the Answer Before You Use It
The USC RA Navigator is a starting point—not an institutional approval. Complete these three checks before acting on its response.
Check 1
Verify
Confirm important information against current sponsor requirements, USC policies, award terms, and other authoritative sources.
Review responsible useCheck 2
Protect
Do not enter confidential, restricted, sensitive, export-controlled, or personally identifiable information into a prompt.
Review information restrictionsCheck 3
Contact
Contact the appropriate USC office when a response involves an institutional decision, approval, interpretation, or signature.
Find contact and supportFinal Check
Ready to Ask?
Review these items before submitting your prompt. You do not need every detail, but including the right information can improve the Navigator’s response.
Prompt Readiness