Effort Reporting
As a recipient of significant external funding, Â鶹´«Ã½ must assure Federal and other sponsors that the assignment of time and associated salary and fringe benefit costs to the projects they sponsor is fair, consistent, and timely. The University fulfills this responsibility through Effort Reporting. Effort Reporting is required for exempt faculty and staff with sponsored funding or commitments.
Accessing the Effort Reporting System (ERS)
Access the online using your NetID and password. (MFA) is also required (similar to other secure Â鶹´«Ã½ systems, such as myHR). Off campus only, is also required.
If you need help with NetID, MFA, or VPN, please contact the at consultant@northwestern.edu or 847.491.3457.
Faculty/Certifier Quick Start
The resources below provide an overview of key Effort Reporting concepts faculty/certifiers need to know, as well as step-by-step navigation guides to the Effort Reporting System (ERS). Faculty are also welcome to contact Tina Mete (c-mete@northwestern.edu) for one-on-one assistance and support.
| Resource Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Certifier: Basics of Effort Reporting | This guide is for faculty/certifiers of effort reports, to introduce the concepts and principles of effort reporting, as well as the regulatory background. |
| Certifier's Job Aid: Certification Screen-by-Screen Guide | Access/navigation step-by-step guide for certifying effort reports in the Effort Reporting System (ERS). |
| Certifier's Job Aid: How to Correct a Certified Effort Report | Step by step instructions for how faculty/certifiers can access previously certified effort reports to make corrections. Note: Only the assigned certifier can modify certified effort. Reports should be modified only to correct errors or omissions. |
Training and Tools
and cover the fundamentals of Effort Reporting at Â鶹´«Ã½, and are required to gain administrative access to ERS.
, "Introduction to Effort Reporting and Regulatory Compliance," covers the Federal Regulatory Basis (Uniform Guidance), Â鶹´«Ã½ Polices & Procedures, and Roles and Responsibilities. This on-demand training can be completed in at any time.
, "Hands-on Training Using the Effort Reporting System," is a live hands-on training for Effort Reporting System (ERS) Tasks/Navigation, including Pre Review, Certification, and Post Review. Check to view and register for upcoming classes. Prerequisite: Effort 101 must be completed prior to enrollment in Effort 102.
After completing Effort 101 and Effort 102, please explore Training and Tools to continue building your knowledge.