The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) is currently in the process of updating forms used by Research Administrators to improve efficiency. The first improvements are to the Budget Revisions and Institutional Prior Approval System (IPAS) process forms. Budget Revisions will now use a single Budget Revision (BR) form for all types of revisions. A new Prior Approval Request (PAR) form will replace the IPAS form, and apply to Prior Approvals for all sponsors and projects.
These forms are available as of June 11, 2018, and accessible on the OSR Website. A two week period will be provided to allow campus time to review the documents and available training. Prior Approval Requests and Budget Revisions submitted during this period are allowed to use either the existing or new forms. Beginning on June 25, the new PAR and BR forms will be required and the previous versions will no longer be accepted.
Form submission is also changing. These forms accept digital signatures and allow you to route the form electronically to OSR. Scanned copies of ink signatures will still be accepted. However, electronic routing is not available on scanned forms.
Also, OSR will no longer accept Budget Revisions submitted through InfoPorte as of June 25. Submit all forms, requests, documents, and correspondence to ResAdminOSR@unc.edu.
Budget Revision
Access the form found here by downloading the file and opening in Adobe Acrobat. Due to the size and complexity of the form, it is not able to be opened in some web browsers. A free version of Adobe Acrobat is available through ITS Software Acquisition.
This updated form mirrors the chartfield entry within ConnectCarolina. It reduces the space required by the previous forms and removes the Prime/Sub Budget Revision Coversheet. Users enter individual budget lines for all accounts in one table. This change also allows for Prime/Sub revisions to be completed in a single table. The main features of the form include:
- Replaces all Excel-based Budget Revision forms
- Allows multiple Project IDs on one form
- Expands to fit the required amount of lines, reducing paper use
- Restricts Account Code selection to only those valid as a budget Account in ConnectCarolina
- Digital signature and electronic routing capabilities
Prior Approval Request
Access the form found here by downloading the file and opening in Adobe Acrobat. Due to the size and complexity of the form, it is not able to be opened in some web browsers. A free version of Adobe Acrobat is available through ITS Software Acquisition.
The Prior Approval Request form replaces the current IPAS form and applies to all projects, not just federal projects with expanded authority. The form applies to all possible project changes that may require prior approval. OSR will review the request and determine the approval method―external sponsor approval or approved internally by OSR. Also, the form incorporates a version of the BR form for prior approvals that need a budget revision. There is no need to complete an additional form.
- Provides definitions for Prior Approval types
- Lists supporting documentation required for each type and the approval method
- Generates a full Budget Revision form specifically for prior approval budget actions
- Digital signature and electronic routing capabilities
Available Training
Computer-based training is available for the new forms and processes. The training presents complete examples on how to complete the form. Interactive modules demonstrating the mechanics and use include:
- Prior Approval Demo and Instructions
- Budget Revision Demo and Instructions
- Creating and Using Electronic Signatures
- Submitting the Form Electronically
There are also detailed instructions for each form that defines the fields and walks you through completing them. Supplemental materials and Quick References Guides are also available. These are located on the OSR Website.
- Prior Approval Form – Instructions
- Budget Revision Form – Instructions
- Quick Reference Guide – How has the Budget Revision Form Changed?
- Quick Reference Guide – Questions to ask before Budget Revisions
Please contact us at ResAdminOSR@unc.edu with any questions.