Policies and Procedures

The Division of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities is responsible for ensuring all externally funded sponsored projects are in alignment with university, state, and federal regulations. The Division also works closely with the Office of Institutional Compliance and Risk Management to ensure the safety of all faculty, staff, students and guests while working in our research facilities on both the Abilene and Dallas campuses.

Department of Energy Interim Conflict of Interest Policy

The Department of Energy implemented an interim conflict of interest (COI) policy on December 20, 2021. This policy harmonizes with the existing ACU COI policy, mandating investigators to disclose financial interests at the proposal stage, annually, and within 30 days of obtaining a new significant financial interest. The DOE interim policy further mandates investigators to undergo COI training before participating in projects tied to any DOE financial assistance award and at least once every four years.

NSF Anti-Harassment: Reporting of Harassment and Sexual Assault

In 2018, NSF announced new Terms and Conditions (Article X) related to anti-harassment and required reporting of certain actions related to harassment and sexual assault. These new terms were applied to all awards beginning after October 22, 2018.
Review ACU’s NSF-specific reporting sexual harassment policy.

ORSP Handbook

• Appendix List:
  • COI Disclosure
  • Cost Allowability
  • Expense Documentation Template
  • Pre-Award Request
  • Vendor Selection
  • ACU Consulting Agreement
  • Services Contract
  • Speaker Agreement Form
  • COI in Procurement
  • Capital Asset Memo
  • Equipment Agreement
  • NSF FLY American
  • Extra Service Pay Approval
  • Grant Overtime Pre-Approval
  • Time and Effort Certification
  • Undergraduate Research Intern Agreement
  • Trainee RCR Plan
  • Close Out Form
  • Intellectual Property Agreement
  • Intellectual Property Disclosure
  • Gift Card Cash Certification
  • Gift Card Pre-Approval Form 
  • Gift vs Sponsored Project Checklist 
  • Food Allowability on Federal Awards