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For any questions please send e-mail to: NDSU.Policy.Manual@ndsu.edu

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SECTION 344: CLASSIFIED RESEARCH

SOURCE: NDSU University Senate Policy

Classified research, which involves a concealed inquiry and restrictions on communication, is not conducive to the open atmosphere of a university and the disclosure of its activities to the public. Conduct of classified research restricts full participation of students and faculty who work on that research and may limit the information contained in a graduate thesis. It is therefore necessary for the University to have a policy of complete disclosure of research activities and sources of funds.

In times of national emergency, however, it is possible that freedom of dissemination conflicts with the immediate needs of society. Research funded by industrial organizations may involve patent applications which require a short delay of thesis publication resulting from that research. Faculty members may also wish to act as consultants on classified research projects not involving the use of University facilities. Consequently, a categorical refusal to accept classified research may constitute a violation of academic freedom.

For the above reasons, proposals to conduct classified research will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the University director of research administration and the Senate Research Committee, with complete disclosure to the University Senate, following the guidelines set forth below.

GUIDELINES ON NEGOTIATING CLASSIFIED RESEARCH CONTRACTS OR ACTIVITIES

1. The University will, under no circumstances, enter into any agreement or contract for which the direct purpose of the research results is the destruction of human life or the incapacitation of human beings.

2. No student or faculty member shall be required to obtain a security clearance in order to participate in University research.

3. No thesis containing any federally classified information will be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree.

4. The University will not enter into any agreement or contract which restricts the freedom of the University to disclose the existence of the contract or agreement, the general nature of the research to be conducted or the identity of the outside contracting or granting agency.

5. Proprietary research contracts or agreements, involving possible patent applications by the funding organization, will be accepted by the University provided that all patent applications are filed early enough to avoid a delay of more than six months in national disclosure of a graduate thesis resulting from the research involved.

6. The University will permit the participation of faculty members in classified research of their choice by means of normal consulting arrangements or leaves of absence without pay.

HISTORY: March 10, 1975; Amended April 1992