3.3.5 Scientific Misconduct

A major goal of the University is the furthering of research. The University upholds the scientific method in the conduct of research and is committed to the ethical conduct of research by its faculty, staff and students.

A requirement of valid experimental observation or theoretical deduction is that the data and/or the conditions of obtaining the data and results can be verified, either by scrutiny of accurate records made at the time of experimentation or by repetition of the experiments or theoretical deduction.

Conduct inconsistent with the ethical conduct of research and which is considered scientific misconduct includes:

1. Serious deviation from commonly accepted practices in the scientific community in proposing, conducting, or reporting research, such as fabrication, plagiarism, falsification, deception, misrepresentation, or arbitrary selection of data;
2. Plagiarism or other appropriation of the work of another individual and presenting it as if it were one's own or without credit to the originator as is required by commonly accepted practices in the scientific community;
3. Material failure to comply with funding agency (federal, state, or private, etc.) requirements that uniquely relate to the conduct of the research; and
4. Retaliation against a person who, acting in good faith, has reported or provided information about suspected or alleged misconduct.

When scientific misconduct is alleged, a thorough and timely process shall take place within the University to provide adequate opportunity for reaching valid conclusions about the alleged misconduct. It is imperative that the University's Scientific Misconduct Procedures be followed to protect the rights and reputation of those involved. Individuals found guilty of scientific misconduct are subject to discipline up to and including dismissal. (Senate Proposal 36-95)

See Appendix F, "Scientific Misconduct Procedures" for more information.