The following FAQs answer common questions about the USC Research Administration Navigator, including its capabilities, appropriate use, compliance considerations, data protection requirements, and institutional responsibilities.
If you do not find the answer you’re looking for, please visit the Contact & Support page or submit feedback through the USC Research Administration Navigator Feedback Survey.
What Can the USC RA Navigator Do?
General Questions
What is the USC Research Administration Navigator?
The USC RA Navigator is an AI-powered advisory resource that helps users locate guidance, understand requirements, and navigate research administration processes.
What can the Research Administration Navigator help me do?
The USC RA Navigator can assist users by:
- Explaining USC research administration policies and procedures
- Interpreting sponsor requirements
- Supporting proposal planning and award administration
- Providing guidance on research compliance topics
- Helping users identify the appropriate USC office or resource
- Supporting training, onboarding, and professional development
- Answering research administration questions using USC guidance and authoritative resources
The USC RA Navigator is designed to help users work more efficiently while reinforcing that institutional reviews, approvals, and official determinations remain the responsibility of the appropriate USC offices.
Does the USC RA Navigator replace Research Administrators?
No. It supports and augments research administration activities but does not replace professional expertise or institutional review.
Does the USC RA Navigator replace Principal Investigator responsibilities?
No. PIs remain responsible for scientific leadership, compliance, stewardship, and sponsor obligations.
What types of questions can I ask the USC RA Navigator?
The USC RA Navigator can assist with questions related to proposal development, award management, research compliance, human subjects research, animal research, research security, export controls, sponsor requirements, and research administration systems. Visit the USC Research Administration Navigator Page for additional examples of common questions and use cases.
Can the USC RA Navigator help me interpret sponsor requirements?
Yes. The USC RA Navigator can help users understand sponsor requirements, proposal expectations, disclosure requirements, and administrative processes. Users should always verify sponsor-specific requirements and consult the appropriate USC offices when institutional review or action is required.
Can the USC RA Navigator help me identify the appropriate USC office to contact?
Yes. The USC RA Navigator can help users identify the appropriate USC office, system, training resource, or administrative process based on the topic or question being addressed.
What information should I provide when asking a question?
For the most useful responses, provide relevant context such as the sponsor, award type, research activity, compliance topic, or administrative process involved. The more specific the question, the more tailored the response may be.
Compliance Questions
Can the USC RA Navigator determine whether my project requires IRB review?
The USC RA Navigator can explain USC HRP requirements and help users understand whether human-subjects research considerations may apply to their project. Official determinations regarding whether a project requires IRB review can only be made by the USC Human Research Protection (HRP) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
For additional information, visit the USC HRP website:
https://hrpp.usc.edu/
Can the USC RA Navigator approve a human subjects study?
No. Human subjects research may only be approved by the USC Institutional Review Board (IRB). The USC RA Navigator can help users understand HRP requirements and prepare for the IRB submission process, but it cannot grant IRB approval or make official human-subjects research determinations.
For additional information, visit:
https://hrpp.usc.edu/
Can the USC RA Navigator approve animal research?
No. Animal research may only be approved by the USC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The USC RA Navigator can provide guidance regarding protocols, amendments, training requirements, and animal welfare considerations, but it cannot approve animal research or make official IACUC determinations.
For additional information, visit the USC Department of Animal Resources:
https://dar.usc.edu
Can the USC RA Navigator determine whether an export control license is required?
The USC RA Navigator can help users identify activities that may involve export control considerations and explain applicable requirements. Official export control reviews, licensing determinations, and institutional guidance are provided by USC Export Controls.
For additional information, visit:
https://oec.usc.edu/compliance-programs/international-activity/research/
Sponsored Projects Questions
Can the USC RA Navigator submit proposals?
No. Proposal submission must occur through established USC processes and authorized institutional officials. The USC RA Navigator can assist with proposal planning, sponsor guidance, and administrative preparation.
Can the USC RA Navigator sign agreements?
No. Only authorized USC officials possess institutional signature authority.
Can the USC RA Navigator approve cost sharing?
No. Cost sharing commitments require institutional review and approval through established USC processes.
Can the USC RA Navigator certify effort?
No. Effort certification must be completed through USC’s official effort certification process by the appropriate individuals.
Data Privacy & AI Governance Questions
Can I upload proposal documents?
Yes—but only if the documents comply with USC data governance requirements and do not contain restricted, confidential, sponsor-proprietary, export-controlled, or other prohibited information.
Before uploading documents, users should review the USC Generative AI General Policy and the Responsible AI & Data Protection guidance available on the USC Research Administration Navigator Resource Page.
USC Generative AI General Policy:
https://policy.usc.edu/generative-ai-general-policy/
Can I upload confidential sponsor information?
No. Confidential, proprietary, or sponsor-restricted information should not be entered into the USC RA Navigator.
For additional guidance, refer to the USC Generative AI General Policy and the Responsible AI & Data Protection section of the Resource Page.
Can I enter PHI?
No. Protected Health Information (PHI) and other HIPAA-regulated information should not be entered into the USC RA Navigator.
Can I enter export-controlled information?
No. Export-controlled information should not be entered into the USC RA Navigator.
Can I rely on AI-generated answers without review?
No. Users remain responsible for reviewing and verifying AI-generated information before relying on it for research administration activities. Sponsor requirements, USC policies, institutional guidance, and regulatory requirements always take precedence.
Which source controls if there is a difference?
Official USC policies, sponsor requirements, regulatory requirements, and institutional guidance always take precedence over AI-generated responses. When there is a discrepancy, users should follow the applicable institutional or sponsor guidance and consult the appropriate USC office when necessary.
Still Have Questions?
Visit the USC Research Administration Navigator Resource Page for additional guidance, example prompts, responsible AI information, and contact resources.
Report Feedback
If you encounter information that appears incorrect, incomplete, outdated, or unclear, please complete the USC Research Administration Navigator Feedback Survey.