April 2026 Updates

CSUBuy — What You Need to Know

CSUBuy is part of a CSU systemwide effort to align procurement practices and improve consistency across campuses.

We are asking that all Principal Investigators (PIs) have access to CSUBuy.

Getting Access

  • Log into CSU Learn and complete any assigned FERPA training
  • Access cannot be granted until FERPA training is complete
  • Once completed, contact Mike Kusiak at mike.kusiak@csueastbay.edu for assistance with access

What This Means for You

  • PIs will review and approve purchases only
  • Department administrators will continue to create requisitions

Using CSUBuy ensures a clear and consistent record of PI approval for all grant-related purchases.

More detailed CSUBuy guidance is currently being developed and will be available on the ORSP website soon.

CSUBuy — Gift Cards (Temporary Guidance)

CSUBuy does not currently allow for the purchase of gift cards, and CSU East Bay’s previous Amazon business account is no longer accessible. At this time, electronic gift cards cannot be purchased.

We recognize this creates challenges for research projects that use gift cards as participant incentives.

What You Can Do Right Now

  • Purchase physical gift cards using a P-Card
  • Maintain secure storage
  • Keep a distribution log

Contact your grant analyst if you need assistance.

In Progress
Procurement is developing a local solution. We are also working with the CSU Chancellor’s Office to explore systemwide options.

Reassigned Time and Additional Employment

New webpages are now available with clear guidance on Reassigned Time and Additional Employment, including key deadlines.

If you are planning to request Reassigned Time for Fall 2026, please connect with your Chair or Dean as soon as possible.

Due to upcoming HR system changes, Academic Affairs is aiming to finalize Fall 2026 reassigned time commitments this month.

Research Security — Federal Requirements

Federal agencies are implementing new requirements related to Research Security, focused on transparency in funding, affiliations, and outside activities.

Key Requirement

  • Research Security training must be completed prior to proposal submission to any federal agency

Training and Resources

  • Training:
  • Federal updates:
  • Webinar overview:

What to Expect
ORSP Pre-Award will request confirmation of completed training at the time of proposal submission.

New Ways to Connect with ORSP

ORSP is launching a Microsoft Teams group for staff who support grants.

This space will:

  • Support collaboration across campus
  • Provide a direct way to connect with ORSP

To be added, email ORSP@csueastbay.edu.

ORSP Website Updates

We are refreshing the ORSP website to make it a more useful resource for research administration.

You may already notice initial updates to content and design. Additional guidance and resources will be added over the coming months.

PI Appreciation Event

Please join us in celebrating our incredible CSUEB Principal Investigators.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
University Union (MPR)

We invite you to stop by, grab a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy some cake, and spend a few moments connecting with colleagues across campus.

Your work drives the research, scholarship, and creative activity that make East Bay such a vibrant academic community. We are truly grateful for all that you do.

We hope to see you there.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Alicia Cronin at alicia.cronin@csueastbay.edu.