Site Visit Best Practices

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Your Guide to Site Visits: Tips and Best Practices

Center-scale award competitions involve multiple stages. A site visit is a critical component during which the Site Visit Team (SVT) and representatives from the funding agency may visit the university. During this time, the proposing team presents content updates and engages in Q&A.

Site visits require significant project management and personnel time. This guide was initially developed by Columbia’s Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR)  Office of Research Initiatives and Development (ORID) and updated and modified by Columbia Engineering’s Office for Research (OFR) Strategic Research Development team. This includes guidelines, recommendations, and resources organized by different stages of planning for a site visit.

Start Here

  1. Assemble Your Admin Team
  2. Review and Respond to Panel Feedback
  3. Prepare Presentation Content
  4. Produce Your Videos
  5. Engage University Leadership
  6. Confirm Logistics
  7. Practice for the Visit
  8. Day-Of
  9. Debrief and Follow Up
  10. What to Expect Next
  11. Links, Templates, and More