One important outcome of sponsored research at a university is training of undergraduate and graduate students, and this training includes the opportunity to perform research leading to or closely associated with thesis or dissertation topics. Also, it is in the interests of faculty members, as well as of students, that complete freedom exist to publish or otherwise disseminate the results of their research and scholarship. Since these goals cannot be achieved under the restrictions applying to government classified programs or restrictions deriving from proprietary rights of commercial or private sponsors, as a matter of practice, the University does not undertake projects which are subject to restrictions on the open dissemination of research projects that are greater than 36 months in duration.
However, with certain government agencies, although the research performed and the reports created may not result in restricted material, it may be necessary for faculty members working on projects to visit restricted areas, attend closed conferences, or view classified materials. Such activities are permitted so long as the research products themselves are not classified or restricted.
It is the responsibility of the director of the Vice President for Research to ensure that a sponsor’s regulations applicable in each particular instance do not contravene the University’s limitations on classified and proprietary research.
Updated April 17, 2024