Research Misconduct

WWU Policies and Procedures

POL-U20.13 Addressing Responsible Conduct of Research

PRO-U20.20 Addressing Responsible Conduct for Research

Additional Resources

Academic Affairs Directory (for Dean contact information)

Academic Honesty (for student work)

Other WWU Reporting Resources

Contact Us

researchintegrity@wwu.edu

360-650-3334

Share a Concern

What is "research misconduct?"

WWU defines research misconduct as the 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.

How to Report Research Misconduct

All potential research misconduct concerns must go through the Office of the Vice Provost for Research to be handled by the Research Integrity Officer. As defined in WWU policy POL-U20.13 Addressing Responsible Conduct of Research, there are established procedures for addressing allegations and handling assessments, inquiries, and investigations of research misconduct.

Anyone with reasonable belief and credible evidence to believe that a member of the faculty, staff, or student body has engaged in research misconduct based on the above definition has a responsibility to report pertinent facts in accordance with POL-U20.13 Addressing Responsible Conduct of Research.

To report concerns of potential research misconduct oral or written reports should be submitted to one of the following individuals:

Research Integrity and Compliance Staff: researchintegrity@wwu.edu or 360-650-3334
Vice Provost for Research, David Patrick: david.patrick@wwu.edu or 360-650-2884
College Dean of the faculty, student, staff member who you reasonably suspect of research misconduct

The University will make reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality of those involved in allegations of research misconduct. Regardless of whether or not a violation of research misconduct is substantiated, retaliation against those involved in the allegation, inquiry, and investigation will not be tolerated.

Overview of the Process for Reviewing Alleged Research Misconduct

This overview of the research misconduct procedure is supplemental and not intended to conflict with the requirements of PRO-U20.20 Addressing Responsible Conduct for Research (note that step numbers below are for informational use only and do not correspond directly with the official University procedure).

Allegation reported.
The Vice Provost for Research (VPR) who is also the Research Integrity Officer (RIO), or their delegate, ensure that all original research records and materials relevant to the allegation are immediately secured, inventoried, and retained appropriately.
The RIO makes an assessment of allegation. This assessment is based initial information provided thus far and on the definition of research misconduct to determine if it is sufficient to support an inquiry. The allegation is either dismissed or proceeds to an inquiry (phase 2).

The RIO sequesters evidence and notifies the Respondent (the person against whom the allegation has been made).
The RIO conducts the inquiry. The purpose of the inquiry is to make a preliminary evaluation of the evidence and testimony of the Respondent and witnesses to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation. The inquiry does not determine whether research misconduct has occurred.
The RIO submits an inquiry report to the Provost. After reviewing the inquiry report and supporting documentation the Provost determines if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation. The allegation is either dismissed or proceeds to investigation (phase 3).

The RIO informs the Respondent that an investigation has commenced and assembles the Responsible Conduct of Research Panel (RCRP).
The RIO prepares materials for the RCRP.
The RCRP reviews materials and interviews Respondent and witnesses before convening to discuss all evidence.
the RIO and RCRP prepare an investigation report that includes among other materials a recommendation on if they reasonably believe research misconduct occurred.
The Provost reviews the investigation report and makes a final written determination of whether WWU found research misconduct. This will include a description of institutional actions taken (or ones that will be taken).
The University President reviews the investigation report and the Provost's written determination and makes a final ruling. The allegation is either dismissed or penalties are imposed on the Respondent.

Official policy steps for the phases above: