- Human Subjects research: If a project involves human subjects, the Principal Investigator must file a request for a review of their plan with the Institutional Review Board. Every Principal Investigator approved for involvement in research with human subjects must then successfully complete an online training course in the protection of human research subjects. (Follow link for detailed information.)
- Animal Subjects research: The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee must review all plans for research activities with live non-human vertebrate animals. (Follow link for detailed information.)
- Research involving DNA/Recombinant DNA or Biohazards: The BioSafety Committee must review plans for laboratory research involving use of DNA/rDNA and any level of risk to the researcher and others in the vicinity of the procedure being conducted prior to the research commencing. (Follow link for detailed information.)
- The Export Control Review Committee reviews sponsored research activity that is being transported or conducted outside of the United States for sensitivity or controlled goods, technologies or related technical information that might harm U.S. interests or contribute to the military capabilities of countries whose policies are in conflict with ours. (Follow link for detailed information.)
University Policies Regarding the Conduct of Research
- Intra-Institutional Professional Activities for Pay (WCU Policy No. 22)
- Recombinant DNA Use (WCU Policy No. 50)
- Conducting Surveys (WCU Policy No. 51)
- Conflict of Interest & Commitment (WCU Policy No. 54)
- Certification of Objectivity in Research (WCU Policy No. 54, Appendix C) - PDF
- Soliciting External Funds (WCU Policy No. 55)
- Ethics in Research (WCU Policy No. 56)
- Summer Pay for Nine-Month Faculty Member (WCU Policy No. 59)
- Execution of Contracts (WCU Policy No. 62)
- Radioactive Materials Use (WCU Policy No. 66)
- Copyright (WCU Policy No. 84)
- Facilities and Administration Receipts Policy aka Indirect Cost (WCU Policy No. 88)
The UNC General Administration Policies Governing Sponsored Programs These are the regulations guiding the administration of grants and contracts at all UNC institutions and are the basis for the policies and procedures at WCU.
What Happens When There Are More Proposals Than Allowed for a Competition?
Limited Proposal Submission Policy (PDF). Funding agencies (sponsors) may place restrictions on the number of letters
of intent or proposals that any one institution may submit in response to a funding
opportunity. This policy is designed to support an equitable internal review process
while preventing any potential disqualification of submissions by Western Carolina
University.
What Happens to the Indirect Funds Coming in to the University?
Chancellor David Belcher has instituted a new Indirect Cost Distribution MOU that
became effective as of January 1, 2012. This MOU distributes portions of the recovered
Indirect funds to the College, Department and Principal Investigator(s) responsible
for the grant or contract. Please click on this link to read the complete memorandum (PDF). For questions regarding Indirect Cost distribution, please contact Interim
Associate Provost Mark Lord.