ETSU is committed to operating with integrity in full compliance with all applicable
laws, regulations, and policies. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is
charged with supporting the University's fundamental commitment by ensuring compliance
with all policies related to sponsored programs.
Contact Greg Hanley, Director of the Division of Lab Animal Resources
University Committee on Animal Care
Research projects involving live vertebrate animals in research, training, experimentation, or biological testing, must be reviewed and approved by ETSU's University Committee on Animal Care (UCAC). UCAC's overall responsibility is to ensure the humane and sensitive care and use of animals.
Contact Katie Sellers, Director, Human Research Protections Program
Institutional Review Board Administration
Research projects involving human subjects (including student research projects) must be reviewed and approved by one of the Institution's two Institutional Review Boards before the research begins, regardless of the funding source.
Important Note: Investigators applying for federal funding for proposed research that will occur at more than one site must develop a plan for complying with the sIRB mandate. Visit the ETSU Institutional Review Board's Single IRB Review website for more information.
Contact Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research
Institutional Biosafety and Chemical Safety Committee
Research projects involving the use of infectious agents, hazardous materials, or
genetically altered microorganisms must be reviewed and approved by ETSU's Institutional
Biosafety and Chemical Safety Committee as required by federal regulations and ETSU
policy. Forms
Contact Janice Lyles, Radiation Safety Officer
Office of Radiation Safety
The Radiation Safety program will assist ETSU personnel and students in the safe acquisition, handling and disposal of radiation sources.
Financial Conflict of Interest
Contact Wendy Eckert, ORSPA
All Key Personnel on sponsored research projects must complete FCOI training, assess
their significant financial interests and disclose any interests that may represent
a potential financial conflict of interest to ETSU prior to submitting each proposal
for extramural research funding.
Contact Wendy Eckert, ORSPA
Federal regulations may apply to the export of equipment and technology developed
or used in the course of sponsored research projects. ETSU is committed to complying
with all applicable laws and regulations regarding federal export controls, including
those implemented by the Department of Commerce's Export Administration Regulations
(EAR), the Department of State's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR),
and the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Contact Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research
Faculty members and other employees participating in research and creative activities
are required by the Tennessee Board of Regents and ETSU Policy to disclose to the
Technology Transfer Officer any patentable discoveries or copyrightable works for
hire developed as an employee of ETSU. Forms
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Contact Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research
Maintaining the highest standards of ethics in research is essential to the advancement
of knowledge and to retaining public trust in the research and scholarly activities
conducted by its faculty, students and staff. All faculty, staff and students engaged
in research and scholarly activities are strongly encouraged to read the "ETSU Guidelines
on the Responsible Conduct of Research" and the "ETSU Policy on Misconduct in Research
and Scholarship."
Representations and Certifications
Sponsors often require applicant organizations to provide signed affirmation of compliance with a variety of federal, state, local and University policies, whether or not they may be directly applicable to the proposed project.
Debt, Debarment, and Suspension
The University must certify that it is not delinquent on the repayment of any federal
debt before an award can be made. In addition, PIs are individually required to certify
that they are neither debarred nor suspended from doing business with the federal
government.
Drug-free Workplace
The University is required by federal regulation to maintain both a drug-free workplace and formal drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs. Applicants for individual fellowships must also certify that, as a condition of award, they will not engage in unlawful actions involving a controlled substance in conducting any funded activity. ETSU Policy
Lobbying
Federal rules prohibit the use of federal funds to influence officials of Congress
and Executive Branch agencies in connection with a specific award. University funds
may be used for such activities; however, any lobbying by individuals other than regularly
employed staff must be disclosed to the agency in writing.
Civil Rights, Handicapped Individuals, Sex Discrimination, Age Discrimination
With most proposals, sponsors also require the University to certify that it has on file an assurance of compliance, or will comply, with various federal, state or local nondiscrimination statutes.