PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
The University of Kansas is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and responsible conduct of research among its graduate student community. Recognizing the vital role research plays in advancing knowledge and contributing to societal progress, the University places a strong emphasis on instilling effective research skills and promoting ethical conduct throughout all of its graduate programs.
This Research Skills and Responsible Conduct of Research Policy (RS/RCR), in compliance with federal requirements, provides graduate students at the University of Kansas with the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary for conducting rigorous and responsible research. It reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
As scholars, creators, and researchers, graduate students play a crucial role in shaping the future of their respective fields. This policy aims to cultivate a community of scholars and professionals who not only excel in their research endeavors but also uphold the values of honesty, respect, and accountability. By adhering to these principles, graduate students contribute to the reputation and credibility of the University of Kansas and the broader academic, research, and professional community.
This document outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and resources available to graduate students as they enter their graduate training. It is designed to support and guide them in navigating the complex landscape of academic inquiry while upholding the highest ethical standards. The University of Kansas encourages a collaborative and inclusive approach to research, where diversity of thought, open dialogue, and mutual respect are integral components of the research process.
APPLIES TO:
All graduate students admitted under or after the 2027-2028 Academic Catalog requirements year, as defined by the Office of the University Registrar.
CAMPUS:
Lawrence, Edwards
POLICY STATEMENT:
All University of Kansas graduate students are required to complete essential training in Research Skills and Responsible Conduct of Research. This mandatory training encompasses fundamental aspects of responsible graduate-level scholarship including general and discipline-specific instruction on key skill areas, which may include research misconduct, authorship and plagiarism, and research/or ethics. This policy establishes requirements for students in master’s programs and doctoral programs, recognizing the distinct academic foci of masters and doctoral programs. As outlined in USRR 2.3.8.6, no course taken with the credit (CR)/no credit (NC) option can count toward the graduate degree requirements, including courses taken to meet the Research skills and Responsible Conduct of Research requirement.
Requirements for Master’s Programs:
1. Master’s programs are expected to provide training in responsible graduate-level scholarship and professional ethics appropriate to their discipline and degree programs, and are required to identify in the University Catalog how, specifically, responsible scholarship training is provided in the curriculum.
2. The training plan must be approved by the school/College and the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs. Any changes made to the training plan must be updated in the University Catalog and be approved by the school/College and the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs.
3. The program/department determines whether a student has met the requirement according to the approved training plan.
Requirements for Doctoral Programs:
To align with federal guidelines, the training for doctoral students must include discussion-based instruction, and must include general and discipline-specific training in mentor/mentee responsibilities and relationships, conflicts of interest (personal, professional, financial), data management and record-keeping, collaborative research, safe research environments, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, and peer review and confidentiality, ensuring an interactive and engaging learning experience for graduate students.
1. Doctoral students are required to complete Research Skills and Responsible Conduct of Research modules that cover elements outlined in federal guidelines. These modules are accessible through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), managed by the Office of Research. Retraining is mandated every four (4) years to ensure ongoing compliance. The required courses must be completed during the students’ first semester of enrollment (See Consequences below) and are as follows:
CITI Course 1:
- Introduction to RCR (ID 17009)
- Authorship (RCR-Basic) (ID 16597)
- Plagiarism (RCR-Basic) (ID 15156)
- Research Misconduct (RCR-Basic) (ID 16604)
- Research, Ethics, and Society (ID 15198)
- Mentoring and Healthy Research Environments (ID 20983)
CITI Course 2:
- Data Management (RCR-Basic) (ID 20896) or (ID 16600) (SBS)
- Collaborative Research (RCR-Basic) (ID 16598)
- Conflicts of Interest and Commitment (ID 16599)
- Financial Responsibility (ID 16601)
- Research Involving Human Subjects (ID 13566)
- Using Animal Subjects in Research (ID 13301)
- Peer Review (ID 16603)
2. Additionally, each degree-granting unit is responsible for developing and delivering eight (8) hours of face-to-face discussion-based training (in-person or synchronous online) to address research skills and ethics necessary within the discipline that must be completed prior to entering doctoral candidacy. This instruction complements the CITI modules and addresses discipline-specific ethical decision making and research skills, such as data acquisition and analysis, laboratory tools, recordkeeping practices, and specific research methods. Instruction may be provided in the context of existing coursework, seminar series, or other professional development programs offered by the unit or the University.
3. The training plan of each degree-granting unit must receive approval from both the respective school/College and the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs.
4. Units must note in the University Catalog which program requirements fulfill the RS/RCR training requirements. Any changes made to said program requirements must be updated in the University Catalog and be approved by the school/College and the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs.
EXCLUSIONS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
All students that are supported by federal grants, regardless of degree program, are required to comply with all federal guidelines regarding responsible conduct of research. Please see Responsible Conduct of Research.
CONSEQUENCES:
All newly admitted doctoral students will automatically enter their first semester of enrollment with an enrollment hold placed on their second semester. This hold will be lifted upon completion of the required CITI training. Should students neglect to complete the training within that time, they will be unable to enroll in their second semester until the requirements have been met.
CONTACT:
Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs
213 Strong Hall
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-8040
graduate@ku.edu
RESPONSIBLE UNIT:
Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs
APPROVED BY:
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
APPROVAL DATE:
2026-02-04
EFFECTIVE DATE:
2026-02-04
REVIEW CYCLE:
1 year
CHANGE HISTORY:
02/04/2026: New policy published in Policy Library.
TITLE:
Research Skills and Responsible Conduct of Research