Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is covered by the research misconduct policy P210?
  Policy P210 applies very broadly to anyone who reports a suspected instance of research misconduct by a member of the university community, and to all members of the university community engaged in research and scholarly activities, sponsored or unsponsored, regardless of where the activity is performed. The university community consists of all faculty, staff, students, users, and visitors hosted by any of these.  In this Policy the word “member” stands for anyone included in this definition.
• What kind of research is covered in the research misconduct policy P210?

  “Research” in Policy P210 can be translated as “research and scholarly activity” and refers generally to creative activities that a member performs or expects to submit to public scrutiny in any form of publication, performance, portfolio, or sample of work regardless of medium or venue.  Covered research is not limited to scientific research, but includes design work, literary composition, and policy studies. This policy does not cover student academic dishonesty which must be referred to the student Academic Judiciary.

• What is 'Research Misconduct"?

  Despite the large categories of people and activities covered, the specific acts of misconduct relevant to Policy P210 are defined very narrowly.  Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.  Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

  • Fabrication - making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
  • Falsification - manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.
  • Plagiarism - appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
• What do I do if I become aware of research misconduct?

  Members of the university community, as defined above, are obliged to report research misconduct whether the misconduct is observed or suspected.  The report may take any form – letter, e-mail, phone call, or personal visit – to the Assistant Vice President for Research, who serves as the university's Research Integrity Officer (RIO). 

  Allegations of misconduct are serious, and must be made in good faith.

  If you are unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of research misconduct above, then you should discuss the incident confidentially with your supervisor, mentor, or any other individual you feel may be able to help you.   You may also discuss the incident informally with the RIO.  The RIO will keep all such communications strictly confidential consistent with the nature of the information disclosed and whether he/she decides the allegation fits the definition of research misconduct.  If further action is needed, confidentiality will be maintained except as required by law or for purposes of the investigation.

• What should I expect if I report a suspected incident of research misconduct?

  You will have to be specific enough in your allegation of misconduct to allow the process to move forward.  You may request anonymity, however the ability to keep your identity anonymous will depend on the type of allegation you are making, and the specifics regarding the allegation. The process within the university does require that you be identified as the “complainant” but the RIO will strictly limit disclosure of your identity, as well as that of the “respondent”, to those who need to know in order to carry out a fair, thorough and objective proceeding.  Any records or evidence that may convey the identity of others will also be kept confidential, except as otherwise required by law. 

  You too are expected to maintain confidentiality during the proceeding, and you are obliged to cooperate during the ensuing steps of the determination process.  For example you may have to be interviewed by an inquiry or investigation committee, and submit whatever evidence you have relevant to the incident.

• What should I expect if I am accused of research misconduct?

  You should expect the university to live up to its commitment to a fair, thorough and objective proceeding to determine whether research misconduct has actually occurred.  Unless the RIO determines that the allegation does not fit the definition of misconduct, he/she will notify you of the allegation.  You should read Policy P210 carefully so you understand the definitions of research misconduct and the sequence of events and requirements of the process. 

   The RIO has a great deal of discretion throughout the misconduct determination process, and you are obliged to cooperate with actions he/she may take to obtain custody of, inventory, and sequester research data, records and evidence relevant to the allegation.  The RIO must maintain such material securely consistent with Policy P210 and applicable laws and regulations.  Chain of custody for the material will be documented and receipts provided for any evidence taken into custody.