To the UMBC Research and Creative Achievement Community,

Effort Reports for Fall 2025 are available and ready for certification. 

The Fall 2025 period includes Payroll 2026‐001 through Payroll 2026‐014 (from June 29, 2025 through January 10, 2026). Certifications are due March 31, 2026.

Please remember that Effort Reports are both a Compliance Tool and a Grants Management Tool. After reviewing payroll charges, work with your business managers if any changes are needed. Payroll cost transfers (retros) should be processed prior to certification of Effort Reports as retros will re‐open any previously certified effort due to adjustments.

To find out whether you have open effort reports for Fall 2025 (see page 6, Year: 2025 Period: Fall) and to learn how to certify them, see the attached updated Effort Report Quick Guide with screenshots for your convenience. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to access the Effort Reports.

In order for UMBC to be in compliance, please check Open effort reports for previous periods under your PI/Certifier ID name to ensure they have been Finalized. Any payroll cost transfers (retros) for previous periods will re-open effort reports and they need to be certified and finalized again.

*NOTE: If you are new to Effort Report certification, please see page 13, FAQ #1 in the Quick Guide for information on how to gain certification access. You will not be able to certify without proper access in PeopleSoft.

*NOTE: If the PI on the project is not available to certify due to termination, sabbatical, etc. see page 13, FAQ #2 in the Quick Guide for instructions. Requests must come directly from the department chair/dean/director.

Additional resource: Effort Report Certification Guidance webpage, which includes definitions of Effort.

Your timely commitment to this process is appreciated.