Allegations of Research Misconduct Policy

Purpose:

This policy promotes academic practices that prevent research misconduct (as defined below) and ensures that Winona State University (WSU) complies with federal regulations in terms of ethical research and dealing with allegations of research misconduct.

Policy:

This policy establishes the requirements and associated procedures to carry out WSU’s responsibilities on allegations of research misconduct, in compliance with federal regulations and acceptable work practices. The policy and associated procedures shall apply to all research activities conducted under the auspices of WSU, whether the activities are or are not externally funded.

Misconduct in research undermines the academic enterprise and erodes the public trust in WSU to conduct research and communicate results using the highest standards and ethical practices. All members of the community – students, staff, faculty, and administrators – share responsibility for developing and maintaining standards to ensure ethical conduct of research and the detection and appropriate handling of abuse of these standards. This responsibility must be assumed while sustaining the openness and creativity vital to the research enterprise.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs will have primary responsibility for the implementing and carrying out the policy and procedure on allegations of research misconduct.

Related Documents

• Minnesota State System Procedure 1C.0.1 Employee Code of Conduct

Related definitions:

[3-27] Allegation:

Any written or oral statement or other indication of possible research misconduct made to an institutional official.

[3-27] Fabrication:

Making up data or results and recording or reporting them.

[3-27] 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.

[3-27] Finding of Research Misconduct:

A finding of research misconduct requires that:

• There be a significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community;
• The misconduct be committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly; and
• The allegation be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.

[3-27] Plagiarism:

The appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.

[3-27] Research Misconduct:

Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing or performing research, reviewing research proposals, or in reporting research results. Research Misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Subsequent Procedure:

• 3-27A Allegations of Research Misconduct Procedure

History:

Date and Subject of Revisions: WSU Regulation 3-22, dated October 1995; October 6, 2000; November 7, 2000; October 1, 2002 WSU Regulation 3-27; dated April 26, 2010

Adoption date: 02/28/2023
Implementation date: 02/23/2023