January 28, 2025
SAGE Modification Subcategories: Resources & Support
The following message was sent to the MRAM & SAGE email lists on January 28, 2025.
During last night’s release, significant changes were released to SAGE Modification Requests (MODs). The five high-level categories (Funding & budgeting changes, Schedule changes, Programmatic changes, Other changes, End of award changes, referred to as Legacy MOD Categories) were replaced with a number of more detailed subcategories.
These new subcategories provide more information on the nature of the request and are intended to help reduce returns. They will also enable better reporting capabilities. Both OSP & GCA MODs and GCA-Only MODs have been updated with new subcategories.
The following screenshot shows an example of the new subcategory interface for an OSP & GCA Modification. The Funding Changes tab is open, and the “Supplement” and “Extension” subcategories are selected.
In addition, a new Request Amount field has been added to capture the specific change in funding to the award, if applicable.
Guidance for New MODs Created on or After 1/28
For new MODs created on or after 1/28, MOD preparers are responsible for selecting all applicable subcategories for a given MOD. Review the following resources for guidance:
OSP & GCA Modifications
GCA-Only Modifications
- GCA-Only Modifications
- GCA-Only SAGE Modification Request Checklist (Excel download)
- SAGE User Guide: MOD General Information
ORIS, OSP, and GCA also offered a demo of the new subcategories on 1/24. View the recording.
Please reach out to sagehelp@uw.edu with any questions.
Guidance for In-Progress MODs Routed Prior to 1/28
MODs routed prior to 1/28 but not yet in “Processed” status will temporarily display the original legacy categories that were used when they were submitted.
As a next step, OSP and GCA will attempt to select the appropriate subcategories for each MOD. However, if OSP or GCA are unable to determine the subcategories, the MOD will be returned to the campus preparer for required subcategory selection.
All efforts are being made to avoid returns to campus unless absolutely necessary. Your patience and partnership is appreciated in this process.
Note: If a MOD was created prior to 1/28 but is currently in “Composing” status, the campus MOD preparer will need to select appropriate subcategories before routing.
Guidance for MODs in “Processed” Status
For MODs that have been fully processed prior to this update, the original categories will display on the Modification Overview, prefixed by “Legacy.” Selecting new subcategories will not be required.
If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to SAGE support at sagehelp@uw.edu or schedule a Teams appointment for personalized assistance.
Thank you,
Grant & Contract Accounting (GCA)
Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
Office of Research Information Services (ORIS)