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A. Responsibility to Report Misconduct
All employees or individuals associated with The University of Montana should report observed or suspected misconduct in science and creative activities to the Research Integrity Officer. An individual, unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of scientific misconduct, may call the Research Integrity Officer at (406) 243-6670 to discuss the suspected misconduct informally. If the circumstances described by the individual do not meet the definition of misconduct, the Research Integrity Officer will refer the individual or allegation to other offices or officials with responsibility for resolving the problem.
At any time, an employee may have confidential discussions and consultations about concerns of possible misconduct with the Research Integrity Officer and will be counseled about appropriate procedures for reporting allegations, which may be made orally and anonymously.
B. Protecting the Complainant
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 review instances of alleged retaliation for appropriate action.
Employees should immediately report any alleged or apparent retaliation to the Research Integrity Officer.
The institution will protect the privacy of those who report misconduct in good faith to the maximum extent possible. For example, if the complainant requests anonymity, the institution will make an effort to honor the request during the allegation assessment or inquiry, within applicable policies, regulations, and state and local laws.
The complainant will be advised that if the matter is referred to an investigation committee and the complainant’s testimony is required, anonymity may be lost. Institutions are required to undertake diligent efforts to protect the positions and reputations of those persons who, in good faith, make allegations.
C. Protecting the Respondent
The respondent will be provided with written notice of allegations within 5 days of their receipt. Inquiries and investigations will be conducted in a manner that will protect the respondent and the respondent’s professional reputation, 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 misconduct may consult with legal counsel or a non-lawyer personal adviser (who is not a principal or witness in the case) to seek advice.
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 scientific misconduct, the Research Integrity Officer will immediately assess the allegation to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant an inquiry, whether federal support or federal applications for funding are involved, and whether the allegation falls under the federal definition of misconduct.
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