Research Administrators Web Forum on Slack

Tips on How to Get to Slack and Login

1. If you are already a member, you can visit directly at http://um-orsp-ra-forum.slack.com or find it at slack.umich.edu.
2. If you are not a member and would like to be, write [email protected].
3. Note that if you want to see general U-M DEI, or fitness class information, you will find that under the umichWORKS workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slack at U-M?

Slack at U-M (U-M Slack) is a collaboration tool that enhances workgroup communications. It provides a searchable platform for individuals and groups to chat in real-time, share content, and keep conversations organized and accessible from anywhere, anytime.

Can I invite others?

Yes! You may invite a colleague by selecting the RA Forum title in the upper left corner. Be sure to use only the umich.edu domain (e.g., without the med . prefix) for this to work. From the drop-down menu, select "Invite People to RA-Forum." Please invite anyone at the University of Michigan who has some interest in Research Administration. 

What happened to Facebook Workplace?

U-M’s use of Workplace ended in September 2021. U-M has adopted Slack as a replacement. 

The RAAC Communications Subcommittee has been hard at work to transition our RA Forum to Slack. We need you in our new space! If you are not a member and would like to be, write [email protected].

How can I get or change Notifications for discussion here?

1. Change Notification Preferences.
   1. From your desktop, click your profile picture in the top right.
   2. Select Preferences.
   3. Choose Notifications.
   4. Select: Notify me about… All new messages.
   5. Scroll down and choose how often. Note that the notifications only come by email every 15 minutes. They won't come in real-time.

Can ORSP or Sponsored Programs answer my questions on Slack?

No, sorry. We want to be consistent with communication. Please refer to the Communications Best Practices guide. The leadership of ORSP and Sponsored Programs have asked that their staff members not use this forum (or at least not answer questions on it). Rest assured, you can reach us through the usual channels. Visit the  ORSP website or the Sponsored Programs website for information on policies or procedures. 

• Look up your ORSP Project Representative.
• Look up your Sponsored Programs Customer Service accountant.

Can I use my standard Slack account?

Yes, but only if it's associated with your umich email address.

The RA Forum is a different Workspace on Slack (as is umichWORKS or other Slack Workspaces in which you participate/collaborate. The reach of RA Forum (and all U-M Slack spaces) is only with U-M staff and affiliates. You will be prompted to use your "@ umich.edu " email address to sign in. 

Who uses this site?

Any at U-M working in or interested in research administration who want to connect, and help, share or learn more through informal conversations and exchanges with colleagues. It is not intended to constitute professional advice, nor does anything reflect the University of Michigan or department policy. In fact, to keep it informal, we are asking that ORSP Project Representatives and Finance-Sponsored Programs Customer Service Coordinators /Accountants do not participate. In plain English, all of this means that we provide this resource to you to network and share ideas. Think of it as a virtual hallway or table conversation with similar colleagues. Be kind, considerate, and always defer to your department or unit for policies. 

When you need a formal response, you can reach them through the official channels for specific project questions.  

• Best Practices for Communication between U-M Central Offices and Project Teams
• ORSP Project Representative Lookup Tables  Find the ORSP Project Representative to help with your pre-award or sponsored project question. 
• Sponsored Programs Finance Customer Service Coordinator - Lookup by Department ID  Find the Sponsored Programs Customer Service coordinator (from Finance) to help with your post-award, reporting, or closeout question. This links to a listing of Sponsored Programs customer service staff on the Finance website. 

Other Reminders

Remember that practices and policies vary from unit to unit and person to person. Confirm any takeaways using your best judgment. Always check with your School/College/Unit/Department. 

Additionally, this is informally moderated by the RAAC Communications Subcommittee. We try to help keep the conversation going, but this is a crowd-sourced effort.