Policy Database

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and VCUarts Qatar expect faculty to be responsible for knowing the University’s policies, procedures, and regulations, both general and specific to research.
As such, it is the responsibility of all faculty to be familiar with the institutional and research-specific regulations. 
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) has a robust policy and procedure program, in addition to a compliance notice program that provides supporting information on systems, processes, and other guidance for complying with project-related laws, regulations, and policies. 
The most common resources for learning more about VCU and VCUarts Qatar research related policies and procedures are:

Intellectual Property Policy

VCU is committed to supporting its employees (including faculty) and students in their new discoveries, creation of original works of authorship and art, and the application and dissemination of those discoveries and works to benefit the public. This policy defines the ownership, distribution, and commercialization of rights associated with intellectual property developed at the university.

Students retain ownership of their inventions unless they are developed using significant university resources, in their capacity as university employees, or if ownership rights are transferred in writing to the university or another entity. The university does not claim ownership of inventions made by students during regular course requirements.

Principal Investigator Eligibility for Sponsored Programs

This policy defines who is permitted to serve as a principal investigator (PI) for sponsored programs.

Post-Award Financial Management

This policy sets forth VCU’s policy for the post-award financial management of externally sponsored programs at VCU.

Effort Reporting

The guidelines that follow are meant to assist all personnel involved with the research and administration of sponsored programs in effectively implementing a sound internal control environment over personnel expenses.

Sponsored Projects and Gifts

This policy provides clarification regarding the difference between sponsored projects and gifts. The distinction between gifts and sponsored projects can be subtle. VCU uses the term “sponsored project” in lieu of grant because the term “grant” is defined differently by various sponsors. The use of the term “grant” by a sponsor does not automatically mean that the award is a sponsored project; instead, the terms of the award should be used to determine its status.

Conflicts of Interest in Research

A conflict of interest (COI) is a situation in which the financial or non-financial interests of the investigator or the investigator’s immediate family compromise, or may appear to compromise, the investigator’s professional judgment in exercising an institutional duty or responsibility, including the design, conduct, or reporting of research. The appearance of a conflict of interest is as important as an actual conflict of interest. It is the policy of the university that research be conducted in an unbiased manner. Therefore, this policy ensures that research-related interests are reported and that potential conflicting and competing interests are evaluated and appropriately resolved or managed.

Research Misconduct

VCU is committed to fostering an environment of uncompromising integrity and ethical conduct in its research and research-related activities. Therefore, research misconduct is prohibited. This policy applies to all research conducted by VCU, regardless of the funding status or source.

Conduct of Human Subjects Research

Human subjects research at VCU must be carried out in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and the highest ethical standards.

Research Data Ownership Retention Access and Security

This policy establishes a framework for managing research data resulting from research. Investigators must be aware of, and comply with, sponsor requirements for data management plans, data sharing, and data preservation.

Export Compliance and Research Security

This policy establishes a framework for identifying certain activities, research, and/or research spaces that require additional security precautions.