Human Subjects Protection
American College of Education realizes that it has responsibility for protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research at ACE. ACE also accepts responsibility for following the local, state and federal laws that relate to the research. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) will review, approve, reject or require changes in research involving human subjects. ACE IRB will ensure that informed consent will be obtained by the researchers using human subjects. In addition, it will carefully evaluate those proposals that involve vulnerable subjects, including those below the age of 18. For additional information, use the IRB Handbook.
Institutional Review Board
Institutional Review Board
American College of Education accepts responsibility for ensuring the privacy, safety, health, and welfare of research participants are adequately protected. The College has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to review and approve the adequacy of human subject protection.
This Board reviews all research proposals from members of the ACE community (faculty, staff, and students) on regular basis. The committee is also responsible for recommending and monitoring research-related training, including research ethics, for the ACE community.
External Requests
The College’s IRB will review research requests from individuals outside of ACE if a case can be made by the individual that the proposed research may benefit the institution and/or its constituents. To be able to be approved, the potential researcher would need to show that the potential benefits would outweigh any potential risk to the institution. Additionally, the potential researcher would need to demonstrate how the proposed research would improve the field of higher education. If a proposal demonstrates these items, the IRB will review the proposal according to standard procedures as well as ACE executive leadership.
Research Confidentiality of Information
American College of Education upholds the ethical guidelines regarding research studies. Any use of student records used in research, will comply with FERPA requirements and protect the confidentiality of all participants. ACE ensures that the information received from human subjects or organizations during research studies will be kept confidential and participants will be fully informed of their rights. For additional information, see the IRB Handbook.
Research Conflict of Interest
American College of Education requires that all employees conduct the College’s affairs in accordance with high ethical standards. As a result, ACE does not allow any conflict of interest to occur in research. Financial interests related to research which must be reported include those received for personal financial benefit from the research sponsoring entity, as well as any equity ownership, any management positions, any ownership of intellectual property, licenses, and all financial interests and relationships with the sponsor of any research. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) will inspect each research proposal for possible conflict of interest (COI) and will make the final decision regarding the research. ACE researchers must abide by the COI requirements of any Federal agencies if the research is sponsored. Employees and students are expected to report any possible COI to the IRB. Each instance of suspected conflict of interest will be evaluated by the IRB. If the IRB determines that COI has occurred, a management plan described in the procedures below will be carried out.
Research Misconduct
American College of Education expects all faculty, students, and staff to follow high standards of academic integrity with regard to research activities. ACE promotes research within the College by providing an environment conducive to ethical research which includes the introduction and enforcement of related policies. As a result, ACE does not tolerate any research misconduct but ensures that due process is followed.
All individuals affiliated with ACE who are conducting research must adhere to the highest standards of research ethics. Doctoral candidates are expected to complete all portions of their dissertation research study on their own to demonstrate their abilities to conduct scholarly research.
American College of Education does not tolerate research misconduct and will start an inquiry if an allegation that satisfies the definition of research misconduct is reported. A formal investigation will follow the initial inquiry. The respondent will be found either in compliance or not in compliance of the charge, and if found not in compliance, may be expelled from the college. Academic sanctions may include, but are not limited to, withdrawal from the associated course with a grade of F and/or a reduction of a grade in the course. Disciplinary sanctions may include, but not limited to, suspension for a specified period of time, expulsion, and/or filing of criminal charges.
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