Alleged Misconduct

The reputation of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMassD) rests, in part, on its faculty's, staff's and students' dedication to objective inquiry and their uncompromising pursuit of truth. Integrity in the conduct of research is essential and must be scrupulously and vigorously maintained. Any breach of this integrity, no matter how small, tarnishes the University's reputation and the credibility of all its faculty, staff and students, and hinders the pursuit of new knowledge. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth hereby reaffirms its commitment to research integrity.

This document outlines the procedures to be followed at UMassD to implement the Board of Trustees Policy on Responsible Conduct of Researchand Scholarly Activities. These procedures also adhere to the policies of the United States Public Health Service (PHS) at 42 CFR Part 93, theNational Science Foundation (NSF) at 45 CFR Part 689, and other relevant federal and state regulations. In cases involving research supported by the U.S. Public Health Service or other federal agencies, the University is obligated to follow agency-specific procedures and reporting requirements, including timely notification of the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) or the relevant federal body, as applicable.

These procedures apply to all research and scholarly activities carried out by all persons paid by, under the control of, or affiliated with the UMassD, such as faculty members (including temporary faculty members), students and other trainees, fellows, professional and technical staffmembers, guest researchers, honorific appointees, and research collaborators. Allegations of misconduct involving students are subject to the normal disciplinary procedures governing students but will also be reviewed under the procedures described in this document, as appropriate.

The University is committed to fostering a culture of integrity by supporting education and training in the Responsible Conduct of Research. The UMassD requires all research and scholarly activities be conducted with strict adherence to the highest possible professional, ethical, and legal standards. Research misconduct is harmful to the University’s teaching, research, and public service missions and cannot be tolerated.We accept our dual responsibility to provide an environment that promotes integrity of research and scholarly activities, and to establish andenforce procedures to ensure objective, equitable, and expeditious due process for all allegations and inquiries of misconduct. Because an allegation of misconduct, even if unjustified, may damage an individual’s career, any such allegation must be handled in a prudent and confidential manner with full attention given to the rights of all individuals involved. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith or participate in related proceedings will be protected from retaliation.