Research Integrity

All members of the Western Carolina University community have a responsibility to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in all research and scholarly activities. Any member that becomes aware of improper conduct should confidentially report these allegations to the Research Integrity Officer.

Research misconduct is defined as falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism in proposing, preforming or reviewing research or in reporting results of research. University Policy #56: Ethics in Research, outlines the responsibilities of the university community in the process for reporting suspected research misconduct and the investigatory proceedings.  

Reports may be made anonymously or confidentially, either orally or in writing. To make a report you can contact the Office of Research Administration by phone or schedule an appointment with the Research Integrity Officer.

The university provides Responsible Conduct of Research training for any interested individual. Certain researchers who are employed on NSF or NIH grants are required to complete RCR training.

Learn more about Responsible Conduct of Research

WCU maintains a Research Misconduct Assurance with ORI. The institution's Research Misconduct Assurance number is 0578214.