Introduction
University personnel
assure quality and integrity in their research and publications
primarily by self-regulation, by adherence to individual
ethical codes and professional standards, and by reference
to the traditions and collegiality that characterize research
institutions. This document articulates University policy
on academic integrity in research and publication, and prescribes
procedures for impartial fact-finding and fair adjudication
of allegations of academic misconduct. Although it focuses
upon deterring and penalizing unacceptable conduct, its
purpose is to promote compliance with the highest scholarly
standards.
A variety of
informal practices exists within the University for addressing
questions and controversies that may arise concerning the
conduct of scholarly activities. Most problems are and should
be handled by reasoned discussion or informal mediation
at the level of University organization closest to the persons
involved. It is nevertheless incumbent upon a research university
both to articulate its policies on academic integrity and
to provide effective procedures for institutional treatment
of incidents of academic misconduct that cannot be handled
satisfactorily by informal or mediational procedures.
Many professional
associations have ethical codes and guidelines for the conduct
of research; University personnel are expected to comply
with such standards. Violations of professional standards
are a matter for peer review and censure; in some instances,
they may become grounds for University disciplinary action
as well.
University staff
members in leadership or supervisory positions have a special
obligation to foster academic integrity in their relationships
and in their work. By virtue of their positions, they are
mentors. Their examples of fastidious compliance with ethical
standards, their exercise of supervisory responsibility
for the work of senior and junior associates, and their
good judgment in resisting assignments in which the number
of reporting investigators or volume of work is more than
can be supervised carefully, will be observed and followed.
For further information
contact:
Howard Guenther
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Research Standards Officer
416 Swanlund Administration Building
(217) 333-0030
rsofficer@uiuc.edu
