Cayuse

RSP Launching Cayuse Upgrade

In fall 2026, RSP will initiate the process to upgrade our Cayuse Research Suite, the system we use to monitor all proposals and awards for external funds that support sponsored research and scholarship. Our office has used the Cayuse software since 2016 with products that include Sponsored Projects (SP 3.9), Proposals S2S (424), Human Subjects (IRB), and Hazard Safety. SP 3.9 is significantly outdated and lacks the flexibility we need to remain current and compliant with changing federal regulations. Cayuse has worked over several years to design and build a more flexible software suite with improved functionality. The upgrade will provide a streamlined user experience with access to all of our subscriptions on one Admin Platform that improves our ability to manage the overall system. 

The project will comprise several phases:

  1. Discovery
  2. Design & Build
  3. Testing
  4. Training
  5. Campus Roll-out

We are estimating an eight-month timeline to complete the software transition. The most visible and structural changes will occur with the Sponsored Projects and Proposals S2S modules. The Human Ethics module will not change in its look or functionality, and Hazard Safety will undergo minor changes in the background to better align with the Admin Platform.

As we enter the Discovery phase, our goal is to understand how our investigators and administrators currently use the Sponsored Projects and Proposals S2S products in the Research Suite and to build new tools for improved communication and compliance. RSP is seeking input from these critical stakeholders, including grant-active faculty and staff, DFOs, department chairs, deans, and administrators who use the system for proposal submissions, grant approvals, and access to reports. Please contact Sherrie Hixon if you are interested in participating in one or more focus groups to discuss the project in more detail. (Schedule to follow.)

 

Current Cayuse Research Suite

In 2016, the Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) office implemented the Cayuse Research Suite to support proposal development and award processes. All proposals for extramural funding begin with a record in Cayuse SP. Faculty and administrators use their CSUN credentials to log in. 

CAYUSE LOGIN

Cayuse SP is the electronic system of record for all sponsored programs proposals. Electronic records are accessible to PIs, Department Chairs, DFOs, College Deans, and CSUN research administration staff.

Note: Student investigators should request Cayuse access using this form. 

These instructions will lead faculty through the steps to create a proposal record in SP: 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Principal Investigators (PDF)

Administrators who need to approve proposal records in Cayuse, please follow these instructions: 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Department Approval (PDF)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Reports (PDF)

Cayuse 424 is a system-to-system interface for preparing and submitting most federal grant proposals. our RSP Grant Coordinator will guide you through budget and proposal development in 424. 

Cayuse IRB allows researchers to submit protocols for the protection of Human Subjects electronically. This User Guide will guide investigators through the steps to create an initial protocol. Read more under Human Subjects/IRB. 

For internal technical support, contact Sherrie Hixon.