Office responsibilities
The Office of Ethical Compliance administers New Meridian University’s academic and research integrity process under the authority of the President. The Academic and Research Integrity Officer receives reports concerning suspected academic or research misconduct. The university’s policies establish the responsibilities of the President, Provost, investigators, and appeal reviewers.
University policies
The following policies address academic conduct, artificial intelligence, fair treatment, reporting procedures, retaliation, and information protection. Each policy specifies its scope and requirements. The complete policy governs the review of matters within that scope.
Academic integrity and research misconduct
The Academic Integrity and Research Misconduct page addresses plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, cheating, and other academic violations. It also describes evidence requirements, review procedures, sanctions, and appeal rights.
Artificial intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence policy (PDF) addresses AI use in university activities. Applicable course, assessment, and research instructions also determine whether particular assistance is permitted. Questions about an activity should be directed to the instructor or research supervisor.
Nondiscrimination and fair treatment
The Nondiscrimination, Harassment, and Fair Treatment policy (PDF) addresses discrimination, harassment, and fair treatment within its defined scope. The policy sets out the standards and procedures applicable to these concerns.
Reporting ethical concerns
The Reporting Ethical Concerns and Complaint Procedures policy (PDF) sets out reporting routes and complaint procedures. It is the reference for determining where a concern should be submitted and how it will be handled.
Protection from retaliation
The Protection from Retaliation policy (PDF) addresses retaliation associated with reporting concerns and participating in university review processes. The policy explains the applicable protections and procedures.
Privacy and information protection
The Privacy and Information Protection policy (PDF) addresses the handling of student records, personnel information, research data, and complaint materials.
Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) page provides information about review requirements for research involving human participants. The page includes the IRB application and submission checklist. Students work with their research supervisor to prepare submissions and address study questions. Contact information for research participants is also provided.
Reporting and review
Academic and research integrity concerns are reported to the Academic and Research Integrity Officer within the Office of Ethical Compliance under the published integrity procedure. A report should identify the work involved, relevant people and dates, the nature of the concern, and available supporting evidence. A report may identify uncertainty and does not require proof of a completed violation.
Anonymous reports are assessed when they contain enough specific information to identify evidence. Information is restricted to people who need it for the review, although absolute confidentiality or anonymity cannot be promised. The integrity policy provides protections against retaliation for good-faith reporters, people responding to allegations, and witnesses.
Other ethical concerns follow the reporting routes identified in the reporting and complaint procedures (PDF) and the policy governing the matter. General questions about locating a university contact may be directed to info@newmeridianuniversity.org. Sensitive records should be submitted through the process specified for the matter.