Research Integrity and Compliance

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• Forms
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Research Scholars' Certificate

The Research Scholars Certification Program (RSCP), offered by the Office of Compliance Assistance in conjunction with the Office of the Vice President for Research, is designed to introduce students and postdoctoral fellows to key topics in scholarly research and publication. The program focuses on the responsible conduct of research, resolving ethical dilemmas and proposal and grant management skills.

The program is especially designed to help individuals establish a foundation for careers in scholarly research–whether in the academy, government or industry. Students and postdoctoral fellows who are supported through National Science Foundation Funding are now required, under the America COMPETES Act, to complete training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). The RSCP is the approved program for fulfillment of this requirement. Doctoral students are particularly encouraged to complete the Research Scholars Certification prior to being advanced to candidacy. Every student will benefit from participation in the program.

Students working toward completion of the certificate will need to complete on-line training modules and attend the Research Scholars Orientation and the two Research Scholars Forums held during the year. Requirements include:

1) Online Training

Participants must complete on-line training in several topics, provided by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). For information concerning registration for this free online training, visit the Office of Compliance Assistance web page at http://research.usu.edu/compliance/htm/certificate/citi. The following course plan should be followed:

1. Before the Research Scholars Orientation

   • The CITI Course in Responsible Conduct of Research

   • Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research

   • PLUS four additional topics as indicated at USU’s CITI introductory module

2. Before the Fall Research Scholars’ Forum

   • Data Acquisition and Management Module

3. Before the Spring Research Scholar’s Forum

   • Responsible Authorship and Publication

   • Responsible Peer Review Module

4. Prior to advancement to candidacy

   • Human Research Participants

   • Animal Care and Use

   • Completion of RCR Training

2) Research Scholars Orientation

Students in the Research Scholars Certification Program must attend one orientation session. The main orientation sessions are held in two consecutive days during the week before classes begin on campus, with one of the sessions being offered immediately following the School of Graduate Studies Orientation.

Students should RSVP online.

3) Research Scholars Forums

Students in the program must attend the two Research Scholars’ Forums offered during the year (dates to be determined):

• Fall Forum Data Acquisition and Management

• Spring Forum Publication and Authorship

We strongly encourage completion of the RSCP during the first year of study. The Certificate is an indication to the institution and to the science community that its recipient is aware of and dedicated to the Responsible Conduct of Research.

For information concerning this program, please contact Russ Price, Federal Compliance Manager, at russ.price@usu.edu, or (435)797-8305.