Ethical Research Conduct and Reporting Requirements

icon   Reporting Harassment & Code-of-Conduct Violations

Sponsors such as NSF, NIH, NASA, and others require prompt reporting of harassment and misconduct. In some cases, reporting must occur within several business days of administrative actions or investigations. The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) handles reporting, in coordination with relevant university offices and departments such as OEO and Faculty Affairs.

For specifics on reporting requirements, refer to our sponsor reporting matrix. Additional guidelines apply when university personnel work at federal government facilities.

icon   sponsor reporting requirements

Long-Term Disengagement

In cases where a respondent temporarily disengages from one or more sponsored projects for a period exceeding three months, please notify Todd Bjorklund and discuss arrangements for oversight and sponsor notification and approval. 

icon    Federal Agency Perspectives on Management Plans

In response to allegation of misconduct, sponsors expect the University to evaluate the following:

1. The safety and security of personnel supported by the award; 

2. The overall impact to the project; and

3. Appropriate action(s) to be taken for the project to continue.

When OSP is required to report, sponsors often inquire about measures taken to ensure personnel safety and security. Upon reviewing a report, sponsors are likely to ask:

1. Has risk to staff and students been mitigated?

2. Was the PI relieved of supervisory responsibilities while remaining the PI of the award?

3. Has the University addressed the matter adequately and appropriately?

4. Are there additional steps or safeguards that the University should implement?

If deemed necessary, sponsors may assert stewardship responsibilities and oversight authority and remove a PI and/or suspend or terminate the award. They may also refer the matter to the Department of Justice for further investigation.