xTrain (eRA Commons)
The newly developed version of xTrain – a system for managing research training appointments and terminations through the electronic Research Administration (eRA) Commons – is moving forward with expanded pilot testing. The initial phase of the pilot ran from mid-December to the end of January and allowed participating institutional staff to create, route, and submit appointment forms and termination notices and track the status and timing of appointments. Concurrently, NIH grants management specialists used the system to process training grant appointments and terminations made electronically.
Training grant directors, university administrators and NIH grants management specialists involved in more than 80 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award institutional research training grants at nine universities tested the system throughout the pilot. After the completion of the first phase of the pilot, universities provided valuable feedback with the goal of leading to a more robust xTrain system. As we plan and integrate changes, the issues and enhancements document and suggestions list are continually updated and posted below in the Reported Issues & Enhancements section.
Although the initial pilot phase has ended, we continue to accept training grant appointments and other actions via xTrain from pilot participants. We expect to expand pilot participation in June 2008.
Quick Reference Sheets
- xTrain Appointment Errors/Warnings (PDF - 258 KB)
- xTrain Overview & Functions (PDF - 228 KB)
- PD/PI Delegation of xTrain Authority (PDF - 206 KB)
- Initiating xTrain Appointments (PDF - 183 KB)
- Initiating xTrain Terminations (PDF - 184 KB)
Training
- Training Material
(PDF - 1.65 MB)
NOTE: If you would like a copy of this slide set in PowerPoint, please contact Sheri Cummins (cumminss@mail.nih.gov).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Initiating Appointments & Reappointments
- Initiating Terminations
- eRA Commons Accounts & Roles
- Postdoctoral Trainees & Signature Requirements
Reported Issues & Suggestions
- Issues and Enhancements (PDF - 44.3 KB)
Feedback & Support
We encourage you to provide feedback to the eRA Commons Help Desk throughout the xTrain pilot.
Report to the Help Desk:
- Issues using the xTrain system
- Areas of the system you find confusing or awkward
- Suggestions to improve/clarify screen text
- Feedback on support resources (draft user guide, quick reference sheets, training materials, FAQs)
- Anything else about your xTrain experience you’d like to share
eRA Commons Help Desk
Web: http://ithelpdesk.nih.gov/eRA/ (Preferred method of contact)
Toll-free: 1-866-504-9552
Phone: 301-402-7469
TTY: 301-451-5939
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
The Web ticketing system is our preferred method of contact and will route your comments directly to Help Desk staff familiar with the xTrain system. We are in the process of adding xTrain as a support category in this system; “Other” can be used in the interim. If you choose to call the Help Desk, please clearly identify yourself as an xTrain pilot participant. Remember, the system is new to our Help Desk staff, too. We have put internal processes in place to provide extra support to the Help Desk for xTrain, but ask for your patience as we work through your questions and concerns.
The eRA_xTrain-L@list.nih.gov listserv has been set-up for interactive communication. You are welcome to use the listserv to share experiences or pose questions to fellow pilot participants.
Additional xTrain Contacts
Research Training Coordinator: Jennifer Sutton ( suttonj@mail.nih.gov)
eRA Customer Relationship Manager: Sheri Cummins ( cumminss@mail.nih.gov)
