Policy on Integrity in Research

From: Robin S. Wilson, President

Subject: Policy on Integrity in Research

Upon recommendation of the Faculty Senate and concurrence of Provost Stairs, I approve EM 89-036, Policy on Integrity in Research. This is in response to new regulations from certain federal agencies which require that recipients of funding have such a policy in effect.

General Statement

• California State University, Chico embraces the principle that the academy is responsible for promoting and encouraging the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in carrying out research. In order to maintain integrity in research, the university community accepts the responsibility for investigating, reporting, and resolving allegations of misconduct in research.

Scope

• The university Policy on Integrity in Research shall apply specifically to university administrators and to faculty and staff, including employees of auxiliary organizations, conducting any research and to students while involved in research funded by external sponsors administered by the University. Allegations of misconduct directed at student research not involving sponsored projects will be adjudicated through the policy and procedures established by EM 83-003, "Code of Students' Rights and Responsibilities. "

Definition

• The basic definitions of misconduct in research are described as follows:
  • Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted in the proposing, conducting, or reporting of research and its results. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretation or judgments of data.
  • Material failure to comply with federal requirements for the protection of human subjects, researchers, or the public or for ensuring the welfare of laboratory animals or failure to meet other material legal requirements governing research.

Procedures

• A full and detailed description of procedures and operational definitions will adhere to federal regulations and will be maintained by the Vice Provost for Research. The procedures will be evaluated annually to maintain currency with federal, state, and university policy and regulations.