Doc. T03-075, Passed by the Board of Trustees on November 5, 2003 The Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts believes that acceptance of membership on the Board constitutes acceptance of the following obligations: Trustees will familiarize themselves with and commit themselves to the major responsibilities of a governing board of a public institution of higher learning. These responsibilities…
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Doc. T04-007, as amended, Passed by the Board of Trustees on August 4, 2004 Latest revision: December 15, 2022, Preamble, Recognizing that improvements can be made in the operation of the University and of the University community in general, specifically regarding the student body and its members; and that as students we have the obligation, right, and power to work for constructive change; and that this can be best accomplished by organizing our energies and resources; Therefore: We, the students of the University…, Article I: Name, The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, herein referred to as the SGA., Article II: Purpose, Section 1., The SGA shall exist to: Serve as the voice and instrument of the will of the student body. Serve as the protector of the rights and interests of the members of the student body, and of the student body as a whole. Promote understanding and cooperation between the student body and other components of the university community as well as institutions outside the university. Coordinate…, Article III: Constituency and Membership, Section 1., The SGA shall exist to serve those students who are enrolled as an undergraduate and pay the Operating Fee as defined by the Office of the Registrar, including both full-time and part-time students., Section 2., A person must be a full-time matriculated student to be eligible for election or appointment to any SGA position., Section 3., The word “student” as used in this Constitution shall mean “member of the SGA constituency.” The phrase “student body” as used in this Constitution shall mean “SGA constituency”., Article IV: The Representation of the SGA, Section 1., The SGA shall consist of: The President and Vice-President shall be voting members. The Student Trustee shall be a voting member and count for quorum. Six senators from each of the following colleges/schools who shall each have one vote: College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Francis College of Engineering, Kennedy College of Sciences, Manning School of Business, and College of…, Section 2., Consistent with applicable policies of the Board of Trustees of the University, the Preamble and all other provisions of the Constitution, its bylaws, the SGA policy and judgments of the Governance Committee: By a majority vote, the SGA shall have the power to: Act on such bills, resolutions, authorizations, and appropriations as it deems necessary to further the purposes of the SGA. Establish…, Article V: Senior Class Officers, Section 1. , The Senior Class shall elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers shall promote the interests and welfare of their class, the University and the constituency of the SGA conducting activities such as a “Senior Week” of events, raising funds and promoting the good will of the Senior Class and the University., Section 2., Officers of the Senior Class shall be elected by and from their class in the Spring semester before their final academic year of study or in the Fall semester during their final academic year of study., Section 3., Offices not filled after these elections will be made available via the SGA appointment process. Appointees must be in their final academic year of study., Section 4. , The Senior Class President shall be responsible for delivering an address about the state of their class at the first SGA meeting of each semester, and also for reporting any actions undertaken to the SGA., Section 5. , The Senior Class President, or designee, shall be the voting member of the Senior Class for the SGA., Section 6. , The Senior Class Officers shall represent a link of historical background for incoming students., Article VI: SGA Committees, Section 1. , The SGA shall have the right to establish or suspend standing and special Committees as it shall see fit. Standing committees shall deal with issues of long term implications and of a recurring nature such as Governance, Finance, Events, Campus Life and Environment, Academic Affairs and Wellness and/or Public Relations., Section 2. , Committee Chairs will be appointed by the President of the SGA, with the approval of the full SGA. Committee chairs must be selected from the current senators., Section 3. , The Committee Chairs, may, subject to the approval of the SGA and the committees, appoint students who are not Senators to their perspective committee as voting members, with the exception of the Finance Committee. Non senators shall not exceed 1/3 of the individual committee membership. Furthermore, all Senators shall sit on at least two standing committees., Section 4. , All committee meetings shall be open to the public, except when outstanding privacy concerns take priority, as listed in the bylaws. Beyond any rules for procedures set by the SGA, committees may keep their own internal procedure, but shall follow SGA bylaws with regard to quorum, voting, etc. All actions undertaken by committees shall be made known to the SGA, in both a written and verbal manner…, Article VII: Executive Board, Section 1., The Executive Board shall consist of the SGA President, Vice President, Student Trustee and the Chairs of any standing committee such as Governance, Academic Affairs, Events, Campus Life and Environment, Public Relations, Health and Wellness and/or Finance. A student must serve as a member of the SGA before they may run for, or be appointed to, an Executive Board position, with the exception of…, Section 2. , The members of the Board shall, in their individual capacities, perform the duties of their respective offices. As a group, they shall be responsible for directing and informing the student body, particularly the other SGA members, in order to accomplish common objectives in the best manner possible. It is also their duty to meet and exchange ideas and information. The members of the Board shall…, Section 3., The President shall: Be the ceremonial, executive, and administrative head of the SGA. Be the chairperson of the Executive Board. Appoint elected senators to the position of Chair for all SGA committees, with approval of SGA. Represent the student body at all official University events as requested. Maintain information packets for the orientation of new Senators., Section 4. , The Vice President shall: Assist the President in all undertakings. In the absence of the President, exercise the powers of that office. Become the President when and if that office is declared vacant. Oversee the work of the standing committees of the SGA. Maintain a record of committee attendance. Be the Chairperson of the full SGA meetings., Section 5. , Committee Chairs - general responsibilities The Chair of any standing committee shall: Be responsible for setting the Committee meeting dates and times. Be responsible for setting the Committee meeting agenda. Report to the SGA any and all suggestions, actions or decisions of the Committee through written meeting minutes as well as verbal reports. Appoint the Vice-Chairperson and any other…, Section 6., The Executive Board shall: Function as the Emergency Committee during the vacation period and in other cases where immediate action needs to be undertaken and the regular committees of SGA cannot meet. Be available to represent the SGA at University wide functions., Article VIII: The Student Trustee, Section 1., The Student Trustee shall uphold the Board of Trustee Bylaws., Section 2., The Student Trustee shall sit on the SGA, Executive Board, and the Emergency Committee as a voting member, and shall count for quorum., Article IX: Meetings of the SGA, Section 1., All meetings of the SGA are open to the public unless an outstanding privacy concern takes priority, as outlined in the bylaws., Section 2., Meetings of the SGA shall be held at least twice a month while classes are in session if at all possible., Section 3., Special meetings of the SGA may be called by the President or by petition to the Chair of SGA by 5 voting SGA members. Notice shall be given to all SGA members at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting., Section 4., All questions and remarks shall be addressed to the Chair. Only after all SGA members have been given the opportunity to address an issue shall the Chair consider recognizing members of the audience, who may be subject to reasonable time constraints., Section 5., Robert’s Rules of Order shall be adhered to by the SGA except when it conflicts with the provisions made in this Constitution, modification supplementary to its SGA policy, or bylaws., Section 6., A binding referendum on any decision made by the SGA shall be held whenever 500 or more students petition for it. A nonbinding referendum on matters affecting the student body shall be held whenever 500 or more of the student body petition for it. The SGA may initiate a referendum of the general student body as supported by a vote of the SGA. Such a referendum shall be conducted by the Offices of…, Section 7. , Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each SGA meeting., Section 8., A Senator, Senior Class Officer or an At-Large Member may be excused for up to 3 full absences at the discretion of the President or their designee., Section 9., Committee meeting minutes will be accepted by a vote of all outstanding minutes during an SGA meeting. Such an acceptance will also include any and all motions and/or actions undertaken at the meeting as specified in said minutes., Article X: Quorum Requirements, Section 1., A quorum of over 50% of the voting members of the SGA must be present at a SGA meeting in order for the SGA to officially meet and conduct business., Section 2., A quorum of over 50% of the voting members of each Committee, standing or temporary, shall be present at a meeting in order for the Committee to officially meet and conduct business., Article XI: Election and Appointment Processes, Section 1. , It shall be the responsibility of the offices of Student Activities and Dean of Students to conduct elections for the appropriate SGA positions., Section 2., All members of the SGA must swear the oath of office which, shall be: “I (state your name), knowing the responsibilities of the office that I am about to assume, promise to perform to the best of my ability its duties. I swear to uphold the Student Government Association Constitution.”, Section 3., The Vice President or designee shall administer the oath of office to all the newly elected or appointed members., Section 4., All members must be sworn in when receiving a new position or after re-election to a previously held position., Section 5., Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, the term of office of any elected SGA member shall be one academic year. Members who have been appointed will serve in that office until the end of the academic year in which they were appointed. Section 6. No member shall be allowed to hold more than one voting position in the SGA at one time, nor will any person serve as a chairperson of more…, Section 7., If, after elections, any offices remain vacant, the Vice President, or their designee, shall release applications for the vacant positions. Such applications shall be considered “rolling” as long as seats remain open, except when nominations are in progress. The Governance Committee shall review any such applications for presentation to the SGA., Section 8., Anyone holding an office in the Executive Board may not hold office as Editor-In-Chief of the newspaper, or as a Senior Class officer., Section 9., All SGA members, including the Senior Class Officers, shall be accountable for the performance of their duties, including maintaining but not limited to presenting a professional and constructive attitude to those they represent and to those they interact with., Section 10., Any office holder who, during the term of their office, at any time has less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or, less than 12 academic credits, except as otherwise exempted by the University, shall forfeit that office, which shall be declared vacant and filled according to procedures in the SGA Bylaws. The SGA Advisor shall have the authority to verify the eligibility requirements of…, Section 11., Further Election procedures will be stated in the attached Election Guidelines., Article XII: Removal from Office, Section 1., Recall: Any elected or appointed member of the SGA, including a Senior Class Officer but excluding Student Trustee, is subject to removal from office by a recall of the student body. College senators and Senior Class officers, shall be recalled when 2/3 of those voting, which is limited to the members of the Senator’s college, or members of the Senior Class, vote to recall. Such action is to be…, Section 2., Impeachment: Vote to impeach and bring to trial: At any time, a member of the student body can call for a vote of impeachment against any SGA member including the Senior Class officers. A copy of such charges will be delivered to the said member of SGA. The Governance Committee will investigate and determine whether the complaint is trial-worthy. If said member is a member of the Governance…, Section 3., Resignation: All elected and appointed members of the SGA shall retain the right to resign from their office at any time. Resignations must be in writing and delivered to the SGA President and the Vice President or designee two weeks in advance of the resignation’s taking effect. A letter of resignation will render the former officer ineligible for an SGA position for the remainder of the…, Article XIII: Faculty Advisors, Section 1., The SGA shall have as a primary advisor the Dean of Student Affairs or their designee., Section 2., The SGA reserves the right to have secondary advisors, which must be a member of the University’s faculty, staff, or administration. Alumni advisors may also be considered., Article XIV: Clubs and Organizations, Section 1., The Governance Committee shall make available guidelines for writing club/organization constitutions., Section 2., Any student club or organization, recognized by the SGA or which falls under SGA jurisdiction for recognition, which does not currently have an approved constitution on file with the SGA shall be required to submit one. Any current constitutions that have been previously approved shall remain in effect as originally implemented., Section 3., Club/organization constitutions submitted to the SGA shall be turned over to the Governance Committee of the SGA, which will evaluate the constitution and approve or reject said constitution., Section 4., Upon approval of the constitution: The club/organization becomes eligible to use University facilities, as well as facilities under SGA control, subject to applicable rules and regulations. Copies of these rules and regulations shall be made available through the SGA office and any other location for easy access. The club/organization becomes eligible for funding through the Finance Committee.…, Article XV: Media Protection, The student leadership, including but not restricted to the Executive Board and the SGA, shall not take any measures that infringe upon the editorial prerogative of any campus media organization. Likewise, no legislation shall be passed nor funding restricted for the purpose of infringing upon editorial prerogative., Article XVI: Student Government Association Policy, The SGA may from time to time see fit to declare certain statements to be statements of SGA policy, so long as they do not conflict in any way with this Constitution or Board of Trustees policy. A 2/3 vote of the total membership of the SGA is required for passage of such a measure, provided that public notice of the proposed bill is posted at least one week prior to its consideration. Once in…, Article XVII: Referendum, Section 1. , A binding referendum on any decision made by the SGA shall be held whenever 500 or more students petition for it. A nonbinding referendum on matters affecting the student body shall be held whenever 500 or more of the student body petition for it. The SGA may initiate a referendum of the general student body as supported by a vote of the SGA., Section 2., The offices of Student Activities and Leadership and Dean of Student Affairs or their designee shall be responsible for conducting the referendum to ensure that the process is conducted in a fair and timely manner., Article XVIII: Amendments to this Constitution, Section 1., This Constitution may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the total membership of the SGA at two consecutive meetings and with the approval of the Board of Trustees provided that: These meetings must be held at least three full days apart. Public notice of the proposed amendment is posted at least one full week prior to its initial consideration. The SGA must be made aware of the Amendment’s…, Section 2., The SGA may order a referendum by the student body be held in addition to the above described vote by the SGA. The Governance Committee may order that a referendum be held if it deems the amendment to be of a nature or scope that will alter the nature of the Constitution. Such referendums shall require a majority vote for passage., Article XIX: Bylaws, Section 1., Bylaws shall outline the purpose, policies and procedures of individual committees within the SGA., Section 2, . All standing committees shall have active bylaws at all times., Section 3., Rewriting of bylaws are subject to a majority vote by the Committee in question, followed by a 2/3 vote by the SGA., Article XX: Implementation of this Constitution, This Constitution shall be considered to be temporarily in effect after it has been approved by a 2/3 vote of the SGA at two consecutive meetings, held at least three days apart. Approval is also subject to a referendum of the student body, if one is ordered in the manner described in the current Constitution. This Constitution shall not be considered in permanent effect until approved by the…, Doc. T04-007, as amended | University of Massachusetts Lowell Student Government Association Constitution, Passed by the Board of Trustees on August 4, 2004 Revised: June 21, 2007 December 9, 2016 July 20, 2020 December 15, 2022
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Doc. T05-024, Passed by the Board of Trustees on February 16, 2005, Mission Statement, The University’s mission is to provide an affordable and accessible education of high quality and to conduct programs of research and public service that advance knowledge and improve the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world., Position Statement, The path to the social and economic development of Massachusetts and its diverse regions goes through the University of Massachusetts., Strategic Priorities of the University of Massachusetts, Maintain and improve affordability and access Enhance the student learning experience Strengthen the University’s research and development enterprise Continue a focus on diversity and positive climate Renew the faculty Increase the endowment Develop first-rate infrastructure Develop a leadership role in public service Improve the delivery of administrative and IT services Position the…
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Doc. T06-061, as amended, Passed by the Board of Trustees on November 8, 2006 Latest revision: December 10, 2020, Mission and Purpose, University Internal Audit (Internal Audit) office provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the University’s operations. Internal Audit helps the University accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of control, risk management, and governance processes. Internal Audit…, Independence, Internal Audit reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and administratively to the University President. Internal Audit shall have free and unrestricted access to Senior Management and the members of the Audit Committee. To maintain its independence and auditor objectivity, Internal Audit shall have no direct operational responsibility or authority over any activities…, Authority, Authority is granted to Internal Audit to have full, free and unrestricted access to any and all of the University’s records, physical properties and personnel as necessary to fulfill its mission and purpose. Information obtained will be maintained with appropriate confidentiality. The scope of audit coverage is University-wide with no function, activity, or unit of the University being exempt.…, Responsibility, The scope of Internal Audit’s responsibilities encompasses the examination and evaluation of risk exposures and the adequacy and effectiveness of the University’s controls, governance, operations, risk management and information systems, including the performance of the following: Developing a risk based audit plan consistent with University goals, with the flexibility to respond to unplanned…, General Protocol, Audit Liaison, The Senior Vice President and Vice Chancellors for Administration and Finance will appoint an Audit Liaison to function as the principal contact for all President’s Office and campus audit matters. The Audit Liaison will work with Internal Audit to ensure proper coordination and monitoring of all audit matters. It is the Audit Liaison’s responsibility to timely notify Internal Audit whenever…, Internal Audits, A written notification statement will be sent to appropriate persons prior to the start of an internal audit. Certain audits may be carried out without prior notice at the discretion of the Director or Audit Committee where the element of surprise is necessary or in the best interests of the University. An entrance conference outlining the objective, scope, timing, resource allocation and audit…, Confidentiality, All University audit records, both internal and external, including paper and electronic reports, supporting workpapers, notes and all other partial or whole documents will be considered confidential. Reports or other audit related documents will not be publicly disclosed except as directed by law or other regulation, the Director, University General Counsel or University President., Doc. T06-061, as amended | Internal Audit Charter, Passed by the Board of Trustees on November 8, 2006 Revised: February 24, 2010 December 14, 2011 December 12, 2012 December 11, 2013 December 10, 2014 December 9, 2015 December 9, 2016 December 8, 2017 December 13, 2018 December 18, 2019 December 10, 2020
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Doc. T07-018, as amended, Passed by the Board of Trustees on March 14, 2007 Latest revision: December 11, 2013, Purpose, To ensure that the proper approval is in place for the establishment of any new quasi-endowments, and for any additions or withdrawals from existing quasi-endowments., I. Introduction, The University has made a commitment to grow its endowment funds. The University and campuses collectively shall seek this growth through a combination of contributions to both the true and quasi-endowment funds. Annually, each campus shall be required to grow their endowment funds through a combination of donor contributions and unencumbered unrestricted operational fund transfers as quasi-…, II. Policy Statement, All such funds shall be allocated to this purpose at the beginning of each fiscal year and reported annually in the University’s annual audited financial statements. Such funds shall be transferred to the Foundation and the normal spending rules and accumulation of earnings and appreciation will apply. All funds will be designated to the campus from which they were contributed. The principal of…, III. Standards, The President, in consultation with the Vice President(s) and Chancellors, will issue administrative standards to implement this policy. Campuses may establish campus policies (and guidelines) within the scope of this policy (and standards). Campus policies (and guidelines) may be more, but not less, restrictive than the standards. , Doc. T07-018, as amended | Quasi-Endowment Policy, Passed by the Board of Trustees on March 14, 2007 Revised: June 10, 2009 December 11, 2013
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Doc. T07-024, Passed by the Board of Trustees on March 14, 2007 The President of the University shall see to the development and implementation of guidelines governing a comprehensive constituent relationship management system (CRM) for University alumni, parents and friends, which he may amend from time to time as appropriate or as required by law. If any University policy conflicts with federal or state…
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Doc. T08-010, Passed by the Board of Trustees on June 12, 2008 Adherence to the highest ethical and moral standards in the conduct of research and scholarly activity is the expectation for all members of the University of Massachusetts community. Each campus shall establish and submit to the President's office for approval procedures to promote research integrity through the responsible conduct of research as…, These campus procedures must provide for:, Protection of the confidentiality of respondents, complainants, and research subjects identifiable from research records or evidence, consistent with applicable state and Federal law and regulations. A thorough, competent, objective, and fair response to allegations of research misconduct consistent with, and within the time limits of the applicable Federal rules, including precautions to ensure…
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I. Introduction, A. General Policy, Adherence to the highest ethical and moral standards in the conduct of research and scholarly activity is the basic expectation of all members of the University of Massachusetts Medical School scientific community. Violation of this trust will not be tolerated since it threatens the very credibility of the scholarly process. This document describes procedures for dealing with allegations of…, B. Scope, Although this policy is based on requirements of PHS regulations codified at 42 C.F.R. Part 93, it is meant to apply to all research and scholarly activity carried out at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. This policy and the associated procedures apply to all individuals at the University of Massachusetts Medical School engaged in research that is supported by or for which support…, II. Definitions, Allegation means any written or oral statement or other indication of possible research misconduct made to an institutional official. Conflict of interest means the real or apparent interference of one person's interests with the interests of another person, where potential bias may occur due to prior or existing personal or professional relationships. Deciding Official means the institutional…, III. Rights and Responsibilities, A. Research Integrity Officer, The Vice Chancellor for Research or his/her designee will serve as the Research Integrity Officer who will have primary responsibility for implementation of the procedures set forth in this document. The Research Integrity Officer will be an institutional official who is well qualified to handle the procedural requirements involved and is sensitive to the varied demands made on those who conduct…, B. Whistleblower, The Whistleblower will have an opportunity to testify before the inquiry and investigation committees, to review, consistent with applicable privacy laws, portions of the inquiry and investigation reports pertinent to his/her allegations or testimony, to be informed of the results of the inquiry and investigation, and to be protected from retaliation. Also, if the Research Integrity Officer has…, C. Respondent, The respondent will be informed of the allegations when an inquiry is opened and notified in writing of the final determinations and resulting actions. The respondent will also have the opportunity to be interviewed by and present evidence to the inquiry and investigation committees, to review the draft inquiry and investigation reports, and to have the advice of counsel. The respondent is…, D. Deciding Official, The Deciding Official (the Chancellor or his/her designee) will receive the inquiry and/or investigation report and any written comments made by the respondent or the whistleblower on the draft report. The Deciding Official will consult with the Research Integrity Officer or other appropriate officials and will determine whether to conduct an investigation, whether misconduct occurred, whether to…, IV. General Policies and Principles, A. Responsibility to Report Misconduct, All employees or individuals associated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School should report observed, suspected, or apparent research misconduct to the Research Integrity Officer or their Departmental Chair who will report the alleged misconduct to the Research Integrity Officer. If an individual is unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of research…, B. Protecting the Whistleblower, The Research Integrity Officer will monitor the treatment of individuals who bring allegations of misconduct or of inadequate institutional response thereto, and those who cooperate in inquiries or investigations. The Research Integrity Officer will ensure that these persons will not be retaliated against in the terms and conditions of their employment or other status at the institution and will…, C. Protecting the Respondent, Inquiries and investigations will be conducted in a manner that will ensure fair treatment to the respondent(s) in the inquiry or investigation and confidentiality to the extent possible without compromising public health and safety or thoroughly carrying out the inquiry or investigation. Institutional employees accused of research misconduct may consult with legal counsel or a non-lawyer…, D. Cooperation, with Inquiries and Investigations Institutional employees will cooperate with the Research Integrity Officer and other institutional officials in the review of allegations and the conduct of inquiries and investigations. Employees have an obligation to provide relevant evidence to the Research Integrity Officer or other institutional officials on misconduct allegations., E. Preliminary Assessment of Allegations, Upon receiving an allegation of research misconduct, the Research Integrity Officer will immediately assess the allegation to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant an inquiry, whether PHS support or PHS applications for funding are involved, and whether the allegation falls under the PHS or other applicable definition of research misconduct., F. Time Limits, Every reasonable effort shall be made to meet all time limits set forth in this policy. However, all time limits may be extended at the discretion of the Research Integrity Officer, the Deciding Officer, or their designee and with the consent, if required, of any applicable funding agency., V. Conducting the Inquiry, A. Initiation and Purpose of the Inquiry, Following the preliminary assessment, if the Research Integrity Officer determines that the allegation provides sufficient information to allow specific follow-up, he or she will immediately initiate the inquiry process. In initiating the inquiry, the Research Integrity Officer should identify clearly the original allegation and any related issues that should be evaluated. The purpose of the…, B. Appointment of the Inquiry Committee, The Research Integrity Officer, in consultation with other institutional officials as appropriate, will appoint an inquiry committee and committee chair within 10 working days of the initiation of the inquiry. The inquiry committee should consist of individuals who do not have real or apparent conflicts of interest in the case, are unbiased, and have the necessary expertise to evaluate the…, C. Charge to the Committee and the First Meeting, The Research Integrity Officer will prepare a charge for the inquiry committee that describes the allegations and any related issues identified during the allegation assessment and states that the purpose of the inquiry is to make a preliminary evaluation of the evidence and testimony of the respondent, whistleblower, and key witnesses to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of possible…, D. Inquiry Process, The inquiry committee will normally interview the whistleblower, the respondent, and key witnesses as well as examining relevant research records and materials. Then the inquiry committee will evaluate the evidence and testimony obtained during the inquiry. After consultation with the Research Integrity Officer, the committee members will decide whether there is sufficient evidence of possible…, VI. The Inquiry Report, A. Elements of the Inquiry Report, A written inquiry report must be prepared that states the name and title of the committee members and experts, if any; the allegations; the sponsor supporting the research; a summary of the inquiry process used; a list of the research records reviewed; summaries of any interviews; a description of the evidence in sufficient detail to demonstrate whether an investigation is warranted or not; and…, B. Comments on the Draft Report by the Respondent and the Whistleblower, The Research Integrity Officer will provide the respondent with a copy of the draft inquiry report for comment and rebuttal and will provide the whistleblower, if he or she is identifiable, with portions of the draft inquiry report that address the whistleblower's role and opinions in the investigation. Confidentiality The Research Integrity Officer may establish reasonable conditions for review…, C. Inquiry Decision and Notification, Decision by Deciding Official The Research Integrity Officer will transmit the final report and any comments to the Deciding Official, who will make the determination of whether findings from the inquiry provide sufficient evidence of possible research misconduct to justify conducting an investigation. The inquiry is completed when the Deciding Official makes this determination, which will be…, D. Time Limit for Completing the Inquiry Report, The inquiry committee will normally complete the inquiry and submit its report in writing to the Research Integrity Officer no more than 60 calendar days following its first meeting, unless the Research Integrity Officer approves an extension for good cause. If the Research Integrity Officer approves an extension, the reason for the extension will be entered into the records of the case and the…, VII. Conducting the Investigation, A. Purpose of the Investigation, The purpose of the investigation is to explore in detail the allegations, to examine the evidence in depth, and to determine specifically whether misconduct has been committed, by whom, and to what extent. The investigation will also determine whether there are additional instances of possible misconduct that would justify broadening the scope beyond the initial allegations. This is particularly…, B. Sequestration of the Research Records, The Research Integrity Officer will immediately sequester any additional pertinent research records that were not previously sequestered during the inquiry. This sequestration should occur before or at the time the respondent is notified that an investigation has begun. The need for additional sequestration of records may occur for any number of reasons, including the institution's decision to…, C. Appointment of the Investigation Committee, The Research Integrity Officer, in consultation with other institutional officials as appropriate, will appoint an investigation committee and the committee chair within 10 working days of the notification to the respondent that an investigation is planned or as soon thereafter as practicable. The investigation committee should consist of at least three individuals who do not have real or…, D. Charge to the Committee and the First Meeting, Charge to the Committee The Research Integrity Officer will define the subject matter of the investigation in a written charge to the committee that describes the allegations and related issues identified during the inquiry, defines research misconduct, and identifies the name of the respondent. The charge will state that the committee is to evaluate the evidence and testimony of the respondent,…, E. Investigation Process, The investigation committee will be appointed and the process initiated within 30 calendar days of the completion of the inquiry, if findings from that inquiry provide a sufficient basis for conducting an investigation. The investigation will normally involve examination of all documentation including, but not necessarily limited to, relevant research records, computer files, proposals,…, VIII. The Investigation Report, A. Elements of the Investigation Report, The final report must be submitted to ORI when PHS funding or applications for funding are involved and must describe the policies and procedures under which the investigation was conducted, describe how and from whom information relevant to the investigation was obtained, state the findings, and explain the basis for the findings. The report will include the actual text or an accurate summary of…, B. Comments on the Draft Report, Respondent The Research Integrity Officer will provide the respondent with a copy of the draft investigation report for comment and rebuttal. The respondent will be allowed 10 working days to review and comment on the draft report. The respondent's comments will be attached to the final report. The findings of the final report should take into account the respondent's comments in addition to all…, C. Institutional Review and Decision, Based on the preponderance of the evidence, the Deciding Official will make the final determination whether to accept the investigation report, its findings, and the recommended institutional actions. If this determination varies from that of the investigation committee, the Deciding Official will explain in detail the basis for rendering a decision different from that of the investigation…, D. Transmittal of the Final Investigation Report to the Deciding Official, After comments have been received and the necessary changes have been made to the draft report, the investigation committee should transmit the final report with attachments, including the respondent's and whistleblower's comments, to the Deciding Official, through the Research Integrity Officer., E. Time Limit for Completing the Investigation Report, An investigation should ordinarily be completed within 120 days of its initiation, with the initiation being defined as the first meeting of the investigation committee. This includes conducting the investigation, preparing the report of findings, making the draft report available to the subject of the investigation for comment, submitting the report to the Deciding Official for approval, and…, IX. Requirements for Reporting to ORI when PHS Funding is Involved, An institution's decision to initiate an investigation involving PHS funding must be reported in writing to the Director, ORI, on or before the date the investigation begins. At a minimum, the notification should include the name of the person(s) against whom the allegations have been made, the general nature of the allegation as it relates to the PHS definition of research misconduct, and the…, X. Institutional Administrative Actions, The University of Massachusetts Medical School will take appropriate administrative actions against the individuals when an allegation of misconduct has been substantiated. If the Deciding Official determines that the alleged misconduct or other inappropriate behavior is substantiated by the findings, he or she will decide on the appropriate actions to be taken, after consultation with the…, XI. Other Considerations, A. Termination of Institutional Employment or Resignation Prior to Completing Inquiry or Investigation, The termination of the respondent's institutional employment, by resignation or otherwise, before or after an allegation of possible research misconduct has been reported, will not preclude or terminate the misconduct procedures. If the respondent, without admitting to the misconduct, elects to resign his or her position prior to the initiation of an inquiry, but after an allegation has been…, B. Restoration of the Respondent's Reputation, If the institution finds no misconduct and, if ORI concurs in those cases where PHS funding or applications for funding are involved, after consulting with the respondent, the Research Integrity Officer will undertake reasonable efforts to restore the respondent's reputation. Depending on the particular circumstances, the Research Integrity Officer should consider notifying those individuals…, C. Protection of the Whistleblower and Others, Regardless of whether the institution or ORI determines that research misconduct occurred, the Research Integrity Officer will undertake reasonable efforts to protect whistleblowers who made allegations of research misconduct in good faith and others who cooperate in good faith with inquiries and investigations of such allegations. Upon completion of an investigation, the Deciding Official will…, D. Allegations Not Made in Good Faith, If relevant, the Deciding Official will determine whether the whistleblower's allegations of research misconduct were made in good faith. If an allegation was not made in good faith, the Deciding Official will determine what administrative action should be taken against the whistleblower. Individuals found to have not made allegations in good faith may be subject to serious disciplinary actions,…, E. Interim Administrative Actions, Institutional officials will take interim administrative actions, as appropriate, to protect Federal funds and equipment, ensure that the purposes of the Federal financial assistance are carried out., XII. Record Retention, After completion of a case and all ensuing related actions, the Research Integrity Officer will prepare a complete file, including the records of any inquiry or investigation and copies of all documents and other materials furnished to the Research Integrity Officer or committees. The Research Integrity Officer will keep the file for three years after completion of the case to permit later…, XIII. Cooperation with Authorities, All persons paid by, under the control of, or affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School scientific community are expected to give their full and continuing cooperation with Federal authorities during any investigatory reviews or any subsequent hearings or appeals under which the respondent(s) may contest Federal agency findings of research misconduct and proposed…
Type: Book page
Doc. T08-028, Passed by the Board of Trustees on March 19, 2008 The University of Massachusetts will adhere to the highest ethical principles in its relationships with vendors and the procurement of any goods and services. These principles will assure that all goods and services are of the highest quality and value for the best competitive price possible. All such goods and services shall be procured in such a…
Type: Book page
Doc. T08-029, Passed by the Board of Trustees on March 19, 2008, Policy Statement, UMass Medical School (UMMS) promotes a smoke and tobacco free environment across our campuses in order to model and encourage healthy behaviors which are consistent with the UMMS mission and purpose; an institution dedicated to the education and training of health care professionals. Accordingly, everyone is prohibited from smoking or using tobacco products in any UMMS vehicle, building, facility…, Reason for Policy, The problem of secondhand smoke in the workplace is well documented. It has been determined by the U.S. Surgeon General that there is no risk-free level of exposure to second hand smoke and therefore secondhand smoke is hazardous to the health of employees and visitors. Providing smoking-allowed areas is inconsistent with the mission of UMMS. This policy is designed to align our policies and…, Entities Affected By This Policy, Including, but not limited to all employees, faculty, students, volunteers, vendors, and contractors of the university, any visitors to the university and any vehicle, building, facility, site, garage, grounds, and adjacent grounds owned, leased or controlled by the university., Related Documents, General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 270: Section 22. Smoking in public places. U.S. Surgeon report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, 2006. Orientation Policy, HR 06.03.04 Corrective Action Policy, HR 06.06.02, Scope, The smoking, use, dispensing or sale of any tobacco product is prohibited within any vehicle, building, facility, site, grounds, and garage owned, leased or controlled by UMMS., Responsibilities, All Employees, – Employees are responsible for executing safe practices including: Learning and adhering to the Tobacco Free Environment/No Smoking Policy, and any other UMMS-specific policies and procedures associated with this policy. Reporting any violations of the Tobacco Free Environment/No Smoking Policy to their supervisor. Reporting any unsafe conditions related to Tobacco Free Environment/No Smoking…, All Students –, Students shall comply with this policy and report any violations of this policy to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Students desiring to stop smoking shall be responsible for reviewing tobacco cessation benefits available through their health insurance provider., Managers and Supervisors –, Managers and supervisors are responsible for safe practices of employees including: Ensuring staff receive appropriate orientation to the Tobacco Free Environment/No Smoking Policy, including job-specific and area procedures meant to comply with the policy. Monitoring compliance with this policy and procedures. Communicating safety issues and concerns to Facilities as necessary in regards to the…, Public Safety –, Public Safety staff who observes any individual violating this policy will notify/remind the individual of this policy., Employee Assistance Program –, EAP shall provide tobacco cessation consultation and referral to employees, faculty, students, and volunteers. EAP shall be a resource for on-going support, education, and training of employees, and a referral resource for managers responsible for overseeing employee compliance. EAP shall provide individual or group counseling for nicotine addiction at no cost to the employee, and shall provide…, Human Resources –, Human Resources shall inform employees of this policy and shall make this policy available on the HR intranet site. A copy shall be included in the student handbook. A discussion of this policy shall take place at all new employee orientations. HR shall provide benefits information and assist managers/supervisors with corrective action procedures when notified of a violation., Facilities –, Facilities shall obtain, install and maintain signage necessary to inform employees, faculty, students, volunteers, visitors and contractors of the existence of this policy. Signage shall be posted at the entrances of buildings and garages owned, leased or controlled by UMMS., Definitions, Smoke Free Environment, – The prohibition of smoking or use of tobacco products in the buildings, facilities, sites, garages and adjacent grounds owned, leased, or controlled by UMMS., Tobacco Products –, Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, including but not limited to tobacco in other forms, such as shredded, compressed, plugs, and flakes., Violation –, as defined by the intentional or unintentional failure to conform to the directives of the policy. It is a violation of this policy if any employee, student, staff person, physician, faculty, vendor or any visitor in a UMMS vehicle, building, facility, site, garage, and adjacent grounds owned, leased, or controlled by UMMS to use, sell or dispenses any tobacco product., UMMS Property –, All buildings, facilities, sites, garages and adjacent grounds owned, leased, or controlled by UMMS, as indicated on the UMMS website.
Type: Book page
