All Policies, Guidance and Forms

All
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V
Name Description
Activities Involving Human Subjects Research Outlines the Institutional Review Board's responsibility for protecting the individuals who are subjects in UMass research activities and clarifies and defines the types of activity, both research and non-research, that involves human subjects.
Additional Compensation on Sponsored Projects Provides guidance on additional compensation charged to sponsored grants and contracts.
Document Link
Administrative Costing Requirements for Proposals and Awards Policy and guidance on charging administrative costs to federally-sponsored projects.
Administrative Stipends Changed to Federal Grants and Contracts This addresses charging administrative stipends to federal grants and contracts in accordance with federal rules contained in OMB Uniform Guidance.
Adverse Events Reporting Guidance for researchers for when reporting adverse events in research to the IRB, and in some cases, Federal agencies and sponsors is required by Federal regulations.
Advertising and Subject Recruitment Describes the recruitment of research subjects as part of the informed consent process and the required recruitment plan that must be approved by the IRB.
AHA Guidance Document Guidance from the American Heart Association.
Anesthesia/Surgery Record Use this form for animal surgical procedures. For Aquatics, use the form below this titled Anesthesia/Surgery Record - Aquatics.
Download File
Anesthesia/Surgery Record - Aquatics Use this form for anesthesia and surgery records for aquatics (xenopus/fish).
Download File
Animal Cage Card Form Standard form for animal cage ID and mating cage cards.
Download File
Animal Ordering Procedure Describes the animal ordering procedures researchers must follow.
Animal Protocol Transfer Form Form to be used to transfer animals from one protocol to another.
Download File
Animal Welfare (OLAW) Assurance Provides institutional assurance that UMass Amherst will comply with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Download File
Assent Form for Adults with Cognitive Impairments Assent form for adults with cognitive impairments. Please NOTE: this is NOT a consent form. This form is for people working with adults who have cognitive impairments such that they cannot sign a consent form themselves, and will need to get consent from that person's caretaker, parent, guardian, etc.
Download File
Assent Form for Children aged 7-12 Use this form when children aged 7-12 are a subject research population, the regulations require the assent of the child or minor and the permission of the parent(s), in place of the consent of the subjects.
Download File
Assent Form for Older Children/Young Adults Aged 13+ Use this form when minors aged 13+ are a subject population in the research project, the regulations require the assent of the child or minor and the permission of the parent(s), in place of the consent of the subjects. Please note that age of majority in MA is 18 but that this varies by state.
Download File
Assent Guidance for Minors Provides general guidelines for creating an assent form for research studies where children are involved.
Audio Recordings of Research Participants Provides IRB guidance on the timeframes for the destruction of audio, video, or digital recordings which contain research participants' images, voices or other personally identifiable information.
Authority/Attending Veterinarian Guidelines for the Attending Veterinarian (AV) or his/her designee(s) under the authority and/or direction of the AV.
AY Salary and Summer Ad Comp Academic Year (AY) and summer additional compensation salary recovery from grants is outlined in the Provost's memo issued April 4, 2011.
AY Salary Recovery and Summer Ad Comp For a more thorough detail of the policy requirements, please refer to the Guidance Document.
Download File
Baystate and UMass Collaborative Human Subjects Form Use this form when researchers from UMass Amherst are collaborating in human subject research with researchers at Baystate Medical Center.
Document Link
Baystate Collaborative Research/IRB Review Provides guidance for UMass Amherst researchers working with Baystate collaborators who may be eligible to seek IRB review at Baystate only thereby avoiding the requirement for both UMass and Baystate IRB review.
Biohazardous Materials in Research and Instruction Describes policy to ensure that employees, students and visitors follow safe practices when working with or near potentially biologically hazardous materials or recombinant DNA.
Biological Materials Used in Rodents Policy for the prevention of accidental introduction of rodent pathogens into research animals.
Download File
Biological Specimens & Private Information An advanced topic video focused on activities involving biological specimens and other private information, which is best suited for viewing by individuals already possessing a basic understanding of the HHS regulations for the protection of human subjects.
Biosafety - IBC Administrative Policies and Procedures UMass Amherst has an Institutional Biosafety Committee in compliance with NIH and BMBL guidelines.
BOT Conflict of Interest for Human Subjects Board of Trustees (BOT) document that outlines procedures for the oversight of individual and institutional financial interests in human subjects research.
Document Link
BOT Guidelines for the Oversight of Individual and Institutional Financial Interests in Human Subjects Research Outlines a framework for pursuing interactions in keeping with overall University of Massachusetts Board of Trustee (BOT) policy and accepted best practices.
Document Link
BOT Intellectual Property Policy This Board of Trustees (BOT) Policy is intended to facilitate the commercial development of intellectual property arising at the university and to provide an incentive to university inventors or creators to participate in such development while acknowledging the university's primary goal of the discovery and dissemination of knowledge.
Document Link
BOT Policy for Promoting Objectivity in Biomedical Research Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth & Lowell This Board of Trustee (BOT) policy mandates that all Investigators from the four campus' that are applying for funds from the NIH or other PHS agencies are obliged to comply with the requirements of the NIH FCOI Policy
Document Link
BOT Policy for the Development and Administration of Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements for Sponsored Programs Describes Board of Trustees (BOT) policy establishing the principles essential for the sound management and administration of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements for sponsored university programs in instruction, research, and public service.
Document Link
BOT Policy on Additional Faculty Compensation Board of Trustees (BOT) policy statement on Additional Faculty Compensation
Document Link
BOT Policy on Conflicts of Interest Relating to Intellectual Property and Commercial Ventures Amherst & Boston Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 75 - 14A, in the area of intellectual property and technology transfer this policy is controlling.
Document Link
BOT Policy on Faculty Consulting and Outside Activities: Amherst & Boston Policy issued by the Board of Trustees (BOT) intended to further the mission of the University and to enrich the experiences of the faculty by facilitating appropriately limited outside activities for faculty.
Document Link
BOT Policy on Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarly Activities This Board of Trustees (BOT) policy mandates that RCR procedures that adhere to policies of PHS 42 CFR Part 93, NSF, 45 CFR Part 689, and any other relevant federal, state, or funding agencies and apply to all research and scholarly activity carried out at the university campus by university employees.
Document Link
Cell Line PCR Submission Procedure for Cell Line PCR submission
Download File
Certificates of Confidentiality Tip Sheet Describes the use of Certificates of Confidentiality issued by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to help researchers protect identifiable research information from forced disclosures such as court orders and subpoenas.
Classroom Research Projects and the IRB Outlines what studies constitute "classroom projects" which do not meet the regulatory definition of research and therefore do not require IRB review or approval.
Download File
Close Requests Close requests must be submitted upon completion of the IRB study. For the purposes of submitting the IRB final report, the study will be considered complete if only data analysis using de-identified data remains. Also outlines the requirements for submission of final reports upon study completion.
College and University Rate Agreement Negotiated indirect cost rate agreement for reference when budgeting sponsored research proposals.
Document Link
Compensation for Certain Additional Professional Services Policy document issued by the Board of Trustees outlining allowable compensation
Conflict of Interest (COI) -Outline of Guidance Principles for Faculty on COI Provides an overview of the various types of potential conflicts of interest that researchers need to be aware of.
Conflict of Interest (COI) Policies (UMass Amherst) - Overview Town Hall meeting on UMass Amherst COI Policies.
Download File
Conflict of Interest (COI) Relating to Intellectual Property and Commercial Ventures Workshop on UMass Amherst Policy on COI Relating to Intellectual Property and Commercial Ventures presented by Tom Chmura and Liz Rodriguez on March 16, 2009
Download File
Cost Share Request Form - AY Faculty Salary When university salary (effort) is committed in a proposal for sponsored funding, faculty must use the Cost Sharing Approval Form to obtain the necessary approvals for the proposed in-kind effort.
Download File
Cost Transfer Policy A cost transfer is any adjustment or transfer of expenditures to/from an externally funded contract or grant account by means of a university (1) personnel action form or (2) journal entry form. Diligent review of financial records and timely communication between principal investigators and departmental administrators should prevent the necessity for transfers; however, under certain circumstances transfers may be appropriate.
Document Link
Counseling Resources Guidance Provides guidance on counseling resources for studies on sensitive topics. May be edited as necessary, making sure all contact information relevant to the specific study is accurate and up-to-date.
Download File
Data Monitoring Describes the regulatory requirement that the IRB determine that research plans submitted provide adequate provisions for monitoring data collected to ensure the safety of subjects.
Data Ownership, Retention, and Access at UMass Amherst Special report of the Research Council presented and approved at the Faculty Senate meeting of May 18, 2006 (Sen. Doc 06-047)
Download File
Data Use Agreements Describes IRB requirements for the University and researchers to enter into Data Use Agreements (a contractual document used for the transfer of non-public or restricted use data) with an external entity.
Debriefing Form - Deception Guidance on how to ameliorate the effects of unavoidable deception in a research study, the IRB requires debriefing of the deceived subjects.
Download File
Debriefing Form - General Form may be used as a handout to debrief participants on any aspect of a research study considered sensitive.
Download File
Debriefing Process Guidance Provides guidelines for preparing a Kuali Protocol submission that incorporates deception and/or requires a debriefing process.
Determination of Human Subject Research Form Provide information in Kuali to help HRPO determine whether your project requires IRB review. Please note that HRPO makes the determination whether or not a project meets the definition of human subject research.
Determining Whether IRB Review is Required for an Activity Provides information to help determine whether a project requires review by the IRB. However, the final determination whether a project requires IRB review will be made by HRPO.
Disclosure of Research Results Faculty seeking external support for research activities need to inform potential sponsors that any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement accepted by UMass must conform to the University disclosure policy.
Disinfectants - NIH Recommendations Provides guidelines for recommended hard surface disinfectants.
DOE Guidance Document US Department of Energy Guidance Document
Drug-Free Workplace Policy Agreement Agreement signed by the PI acknowledging an awareness of and compliance with the University Drug-Free Workplace Policy. His/her signature also indicates acceptance of the responsibility to inform everyone involved on the project about the Policy. This is a one-time form required by all Principal Investigators before an award can be processed through to Accounting.
Download File
Dual Use - Bridging Science and Security for Biological Research Explains dual use review and oversight at research institutions (from September 2012 Report of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Download File
Education Research Settings Provides information to determine if a study is exempt from IRB review, issues to consider if submitting, and guidelines for conducting research in educational settings.
Effort Reporting - Related Documents Documents of interest related to effort reporting
Effort Reporting Policies Guidance Guidance on Effort Reporting Policies
Document Link
Ethnographic Research Provides guidance on ethnography-specific research and its intersection with the IRB and federal regulations.
Euthanasia Request Form Form required to request euthanasia as part of a research study.
Download File
Exemptions in Openness in Research Procedure for dealing with restrictions to Open Research
Expiration dates for materials used in animals Guidelines for determining expiration dates for materials used in animals.
Download File
Export Control and Universities: Information and Case Studies Brochure that describes relevant information about export controls and how they affect the academic research enterprise (produced by the Council on Government Relations).
Download File
Export Control Compliance Guidelines - UMass Amherst Export controls apply to virtually all fields of science and engineering and restrict both physical shipments and electronic transmission of information. These laws apply to all activities – not just sponsored research projects.
Download File
Export Control Policy Outlines campus policies and procedures in the area of export control.
Document Link
Export Control: "Don't Let This Happen to You!" Provides an introduction to U.S. Export Law (published by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.
Download File
Extra Credit for Participating in Research Provides guidance on offering extra credit for participating in research.
Fact Sheet Institution related data and information necessary for preparing and budgeting in one place - Legal name, Authorized Approvers, Indirect cost rates, fringe rates, etc.
Focus Group Research Provides guidance to consider when convening focus groups as a way to gather data from multiple participants.
Grant/Contract vs. Gift Outlines and defines the characteristics of a sponsored project which is considered to be any externally funded research or scholarly activity that has a defined scope of work or set of objectives which provides a basis for sponsor expectations. Also lists characteristics to clarify how external funds from non-governmental entities are classified and processed.
Download File
Guillotine Use and Maintenance This SOP is intended to provide information for researchers at UMass using rodent guillotines.
Document Link
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Privacy Rule Explains how HIPAA regulations affect the use of protected health information (person-identifiable information produced as a result of health-care services) in research.
HIPAA Authorization Template Use this form to request access to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) data from individuals.
Download File
Human Body Fluids Precautions Policy Comprehensive set of standards, guidelines, and procedures that will minimize the risk to students, faculty, and staff of occupational exposure to human body fluids and other materials that may contain agents of human infection.
IACUC Policy on Collaborative Work The intent of this policy is to provide guidance for review of projects involving collaborative work with live animals at outside organizations.
Download File
Implementing the NIH COI Final Rule Provides institutions subject to the new Conflict of Interest rule with insight into how peer institutions considered these issues after the announcement of the new rule, and provides a range of possible approaches.
Download File
Indirect Cost Waiver/Reduction Click on the Document Link to open the form for an Indirect Cost Waiver or Reduction Request Form
Document Link
Industry Funding Contract Signatory Authority Matrix Guidance on who signs Agreements and Contracts involving industry.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Complex Biomedical - Revised Use this template for complex biomedical research which may necessitate several visits by participants and more than one intervention.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Focus Group - Revised The consent template to be used when research involves focus groups.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - General - Revised Use this template to compose the Informed Consent document. Instructions specific to items on the form are included in brackets.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - iDXA Use this template if your research involves iDXA.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - International Affective Picture System (IAPS) - Revised Use this template when utilizing an International Affective Picture System (IAPS) image set. IAPS contains images meant to elicit an emotional response from the research participant. Images are categorized as pleasant, neutral or unpleasant.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Revised Use this template if your study uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Muscle Biopsy - Revised Use this template if your study includes muscle biopsies.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Online Survey - Revised Use this template if your study involves an online survey research component.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Paper Survey Consent Paragraph You may use this template if you're conducting a paper survey and are requesting a waiver of documentation of informed consent.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Sensitive Topics - Revised Use this template for research that involves topics which may be considered sensitive.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Short Version of Written Consent The oral and short verision of the written consent form is designed to provide a mechanism for individuals with limited English language proficiency to participate in human subject research where their lack of proficiency would otherwise be a barrier to their participation.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Subject Recruitment Database Use this template if researcher will be asking participants to be part of a subject recruitment database.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - Video Use - Revised Informed Consent form to use for research involving video or audio recordings.
Download File
Informed Consent Template - VO2 Max - Revised Use this template if your study uses V02 Max.
Download File
Institutional Chemical Safety Committee Policy and Procedures Administrative policies and procedures of committee charged with advising on matters that relate to the safe use of chemicals in the laboratory environment.
Institutional Policy for Oversight of Animal Use in Research and Teaching This policy contains Information about the university's assurance to comply with documented regulations that apply to all vertebrate animals used for research and teaching.
Document Link
International Affective Picture System (IAPs) Provides guidance for researchers submitting protocols with images known as International Affective Picture System (IAPS), designed to elicit an emotional response from research participants.
Late Proposal Approval Request Form The Late Proposal Approval Request form is used to request an exception to the VCRE's mandatory proposal submission procedure.
Document Link
Mandatory Reporting Defines the term "mandatory reporting" and identifies which individuals engaged in human subject research are required by law to report the abuse of children when uncovered as par too that research.
Minimum Effort on Sponsored Projects Audit findings dictated the establishment of a minimum effort requirement. This document outlines the policy and gives guidance for its implementation.
Download File
Misconduct in Research & Scholarly Activities - UMass Procedures Misconduct in research and scholarly activities is injurious to the University's teaching, research, and public service missions and cannot be tolerated. This document provides procedures for investigations of allegations of misconduct in research and scholarly activities. It is written to comply with federal regulations requiring such procedures and also to maintain and enhance the integrity of research.
Download File
MTurk Guidance Provides guidance and elements to be considered when utilizing Amazon's Mechanical Turk to conduct human subject research over the internet.
NASA Guidance Document National Aeronautics and Space Administration Guidance Document
Needle and Syringe Use Links to Massachusetts regulation guiding purchase.
NEW - Environmental Chamber Housing Standards Standards to ensure the highest level of animal welfare and compliance for research animals in various environmental and research chambers.
Download File
NEW - Mouse Breeding Guidance for ACS Vivaria The aim of this guidance is to meet the intent of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals using performance based standards of animal care and use while keeping in mind the special needs of investigators maintaining transgenic mouse breeding colonies.
Download File
NEW- Hamster Breeding Guidance In order to remain in compliance with federal animal welfare regulations, UMass Animal Care follows the guidelines in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations. The current edition (8th ed.) of the Guide contains specific floor space recommendations for hamsters.
Download File
NIH Guidance Document National Institutes of Health Guidance Document
NIH Single IRB Policy for Multi-site Research Describes changes affecting NIH policies governing Single IRBs for Multi-Site research. The guidance provides step by step guidance for researchers and staff to understand the significant changes which will affect NIH sponsored activities and human subjects research.
NSF Guidance Document National Science Foundation Guidance Document
On and Off Campus Indirect Cost Rates Determination Policy Policy on Determination of On and Off Campus Indirect Cost Rates on Grants and Contracts
Download File
Oral and Short Form Written Consent Outlines the process for the use of oral and short form written consent designed to provide a mechanism for individuals with limited English language proficiency to participate in human subject research where their lack of proficiency would otherwise be a barrier to their participation.
Oral History Describes what is meant by the term "oral history" based on guidance put forth by the Office of Human Research Protection.
Outside Activities - Request for Prior Approval OA form for faculty with no federal funds.
Download File
Pain and Stress Classification Levels Describes the classification of animal pain and distress levels and provides guidance for action and response based on this classification system.
PAR-Q Screener Script Short script to read before issuing the PAR-Q as a screener.
Download File
Parent Permission for Minor to Participate in Research - Revised Use this form to have parents give permission for their child to participate in research.
Download File
Photography of Research Animals IACUC Guidelines on Photography of Research Animals
Download File
Physician Clearance Form To provide a rationale for requiring physician clearance for certain participant populations prior to enrolling in a study, and describe all procedures associated with requesting physician clearance.
Download File
Physician Clearance Policy In certain instances, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) may require researchers to request that an individual be “cleared” for participation prior to enrolling in a study. This step is most often required when the IRB is concerned for the safety of a subset of participants and mandates that certain individuals or class of individuals consult a medical professional, in most cases the individual’s Primary Care Provider, prior to being enrolled in a study.
PI and Co-PI Roles and Responsibilities Special Report of the Research Council concerning Principal and Co-Principal Investigators: Eligibility, Roles, Rights, Responsibilities, and Obligations. See link at right.
Document Link
Policy on Human Subjects in Research Policy statement providing assurance of compliance with Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) regulations for protection of human research subjects.
Document Link
Post Approval Monitoring Compliance Monitoring is sometimes referred to as Post Approval (PAM), wherein approved animal work is continuously monitored during the approval period.
Post Operative Record for Lab Animals This form is required for all animals undergoing surgical procedures in addition to the Anesthesia/Surgery Record.
Download File
Pro Forma Budget Template To be used for Indirect Cost Waiver/Reduction, Cost Share Request, and Request for Voluntary Cost Sharing Forms.
Download File
Project Types for F&A Purposes Definitions of project types to help determine what type of project you are requesting funding to support and what F&A rate should be applied.
Download File
rDNA or Synthetic DNA Requirements for review of research projects involving the use of rDNA or synthetic DNA.
Recruiting at UMass Outlines requirements for researchers not affiliated with UMass Amherst who wish to recruit students, faculty, or staff as research participants.
Recruitment Database Application Form Use this application form to establish a subject recruitment database.
Download File
Recruitment Templates Sample recruitment templates for new researchers. Please note: You are NOT required to use these templates, they are merely provided as samples.
Download File
Red Flag Indicators in Export Transactions A list of indicators that the buyer of your products may not be authorized to receive them due to EAR or ITAR regulations.
Requests for Letters of Support Policy for faculty requesting letters of support to the Chancellor, Provost, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement on proposals that do not involve formal resource commitments or cost sharing.
Requirements and Procedures for Fabricated Equipment Costs on Federal Research Grants and Contracts The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that the inclusion of Fabricated Equipment on sponsored projects follow federal regulations and university policies.
Research in Higher Education Settings Provides information to determine if a study is exempt from IRB review, issues to consider if submitting, and guidelines for conducting research in higher education settings.
Research in K-12 Settings Provides information to determine if a study is exempt from IRB review, issues to consider if submitting, and guidelines for conducting research in K-12 settings.
Research Involving Minors Outlines regulations and policies associated with doing research that involves minors.
Research Responsibility Outlines human subjects researchers responsibilities when engaging in research.
Responsible Conduct in Research - NSF- related Primer for Undergraduates This is an introduction to Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RCR) for undergraduates who are engaged in research activities that are supported by NSF.
Download File
Reviewer Checklist for Amendments Reviewer Checklist for IRB Members to document their review and analysis of Full Board protocols reviewed by the convened IRB. The Reviewer Checklist helps ensure that all required elements of the federal criteria for approval are met.
Download File
Reviewer Checklist for Continuing Review This checklist helps reviewers structure the continuing review of approved protocols and maintain consistency in the process.
Download File
Reviewer Checklist for New Protocols This checklist helps reviewers conduct a review of new protocols and maintain consistency in the process.
Download File
Reviewer Checklist for Renew/Amends Reviewer Checklist for IRB Members to document their review and analysis of Full Board protocols reviewed by the convened IRB. The Reviewer Checklist helps ensure that all required elements of the federal criteria for approval are met.
Download File
Revisions to a Protocol Outlines the policy on revisions and changes to a previously IRB approved project. As a reminder, all changes and revisions to a previously IRB-approved protocol must be received and approved by the IRB before they are initiated (except where necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazard to the subject).
SBIR Funding Agreement Since many of the industry partners in the SBIR do not have broad contracting experience, we have found that many partners look to the University for guidance in this area. The following SBIR Funding Agreement has been developed to meet this need.
Download File
Screening Activities Used to Determine Eligibility for Participation in Research Describes items to consider for having potential participants engage in some type of screening activity to determine their eligibility for participation in a study.
Select Agents Explains process by which research institutions collect information regarding "select agents" and register their presence with the federal government.
Sensitive Topics Provides guidance on what must be done if your study deals with sensitive topics, such as alcohol/drug use, suicide or child abuse, or uses the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Participants should be forewarned in the informed consent form that they will be asked questions on sensitive topics.
Social Media Research Guidance Provides guidance to researchers on the use of social media and its intersection with human subjects research. The guidance recommends best practices in this ever-changing field of study.
Sponsor Request Use this form to request a sponsor for use in Kuali. You can also use this form to request a prime sponsor.
Document Link
Sponsored Project Proposal Submission Requirements and Procedures This page clarifies and updates campus procedures for proposal preparation and submission in support of sponsored projects to conform to Board of Trustee Policy DOC. T94-034. This includes the five-day deadline and new procedures developed in consultation with the deans to reduce duplication of administrative steps between department or college/school offices and the central Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS).
STScI Guidance Document Space Telescope Science Institute Guidance Document
STTR Funding Agreement Since many of the industry partners in the STTR do not have broad contracting experience, we have found that many partners look to the University for guidance in this area. The following STTR Funding Agreement has been developed to meet this need.
Download File
Student Researchers and Advisors Provides guidelines for students conducting research involving human subjects. Student researchers are subject to the same policies and procedures as faculty members.
Study Personnel Defines who the University of Massachusetts Amherst considers study personnel.
Sub-Recipient Commitment Form Distribute this form to participating entities when setting up a subaward/subcontract/sub-recipient agreement with UMass.
Download File
Subcontract Approval and Sole Source Justification A PI Subcontractor approval sheet and Sole-source Justification if new – used to confirm that the PI approves the subcontract terms and conditions and used to document why this particular subcontractor is solely and uniquely qualified to perform the sub scope of work.
Download File
Subject Recruitment Databases Describes items to consider when researchers want to maintain subject information for the purpose of future recruitment. Researchers must submit such a request to the IRB. Databases must be maintained by one responsible qualified UMass researcher and in most cases subjects will fill out a consent form agreeing to the inclusion of their information into such a system.
Suicidal Ideation Response Guidance This guidance gives the general action plans that will be required for all studies that involve questions about suicidality but is particularly meant to support researchers who are not experts in the specific field of depression and suicidality.
Summer Ad Comp Further guidance on Summer Ad Comp
Summer Salary Waiver Request Form to request a waiver from the Provost's policy on only charging 83.33% summer salary to federal or state sponsored projects.
Download File
Survey Guidelines Provides guidance on items to consider when conducting surveys or questionnaires as a way to gather data from many participants.
Tabletop Isoflurane Anesthesia Machines Operating Instructions for Tabletop Isoflurane Anesthesia Machines
Download File
Transfer of PI to another Institution It is the practice of UMass Amherst to allow investigators to take their grants with them – with explicit department head and dean approval – when they transfer to another institution. There are issues inherent in this type of transfer. This guide offers resolution of these issues.
Download File
Travel Tips from the National Counterintelligence Executive Tips for traveling oversees with mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, and other electronic devices.
Download File
Types of Review Explains the different types of review required for research involving human subjects.
UMass Amherst Export Control Compliance Program Guidelines These guidelines outline procedures for members of the UMA community to follow to ensure compliance with all export control laws and regulations.
Download File
UMass COI Policy for NSF and other Federal Agencies This Policy has been developed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and complies with specific NSF requirements laid out in NSF’s Grant Policy Manual.
UMass COI/SFI NSF Disclosure form This Conflict of Interest disclosure form should only be used if a PI is applying for funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Download File
UMass Procedure to meet NSF Safe and Inclusive Working Environments This document details new National Science Foundation (NSF) requirements related to “off-site” and “off-campus” research. The Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS) is now required to certify that a plan is in place to address safe and inclusive working environments at the time a proposal is submitted. This will be accomplished by agreeing to a series of attestations which will be uploaded to the Kuali Research proposal record.
Unified Requirement and Procedure Guide to Cost Sharing Cost sharing requires advanced notice and approvals from various stakeholders. This guide consolidates previous guidance and procedures.
Uniform Consulting Agreement Provisions - UMass Amherst All faculty members at the University of Massachusetts are subject to the University Policy on Faculty Consulting and Outside Activities. The Consulting Policy recommends that faculty members at the University attach these Uniform Consulting Agreement Provisions to any agreement or arrangement under which a faculty member will provide consulting services to, or will engage in other non-academic activities in his or her area of expertise on behalf of, any for-profit organization.
Document Link
University of Massachusetts Amherst Policy to Conform with Board of Trustee Policy Doc. T94-034 and The Federal OMB Uniform Guidance This policy compiles various requirements, procedures, and guidance that have been designed to meet these and expectations. 
Document Link
USDA Guidance Document US Department of Agriculture Guidance Document
Visitor Policy Requirements of Visitors before entering the UMA animal facilities.
Download File