Changes to research policy, WSA constitution okayed
March 25, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- An update of Western Michigan University's Research Misconduct Policy and two new amendments to the Western Student Association's constitution were among measures approved by the WMU Board of Trustees March 22.
WMU's Research Misconduct Policy, last revised by the Faculty Senate in 1997, is a policy established to fulfill federal requirements and is designed as a uniform means for responding to and reporting instances of alleged or apparent misconduct in research. The new policy revisions approved by the board reflect changes in federal guidelines and were made to ensure the University's federally funded projects are monitored in compliance with those changes. The Research Policies Council of the Faculty Senate handled the revisions, and the Faculty Senate approved the changes at its Nov. 1 meeting.
Streamlining of the original document and improved readability also were goals of the WMU policy revisions. The policy applies to all individuals involved in funded research or sponsored programs as well as those involved in research intended for scholarly presentation.
In other action, board members approved two changes to the Western Student Association constitution. Both amendments already have been ratified by the WSA. Approval by trustees is the final step in amending the constitution.
One WSA amendment approved involves changing the minimum number of students serving on the WSA's Allocations Committee from 11 to nine. The move is designed to increase the committee's effectiveness and ease of operation.
The second new WSA amendment calls for the general election of a WSA president and vice president, who will then appoint a treasurer and chief of operations, both of whom must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the WSA Senate. Previously all four executive officers were elected by those voting in the general election.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu