Compliance
Research activities at the University of Maine are governed by federal and state regulations and University policies which have been instituted to ensure scientific integrity; safeguard the welfare of animal and human subjects; and protect the health and safety of faculty and staff, students, and visitors on campus.
The University of Maine adheres to a strict policy of compliance. All members of the University community are responsible for familiarizing themselves, and complying with all applicable regulations and policies. Failure to do so places not only the University but also the individual community member at risk for violations which could result in substantial administrative, civil, and criminal fines and penalties.
Research compliance is a complex administrative area that involves the oversight of several different offices and departments. Fiscal and sponsored program aspects of research compliance are handled by the Office of Research Administration. In this section of the ORA website researchers are provided with an overview of several compliance areas inherent to the management of grants and contracts.
Research Compliance Partners
At the University of Maine, research compliance is a collaborative effort involving multiple offices and departments, each playing a vital role in ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations, as well as university policies.
Office of Research Compliance (ORC)
ORC provides comprehensive regulatory guidance to the UMaine research community regarding specific components of research compliance, including:
More details can be viewed on ORC’s website.
Safety & Environmental Management Department (SEM)
Research involving potential hazards to employees or the environment, such as hazardous materials or in instances where safety equipment or medical monitoring is needed, may require prior approval or training from the Safety & Environmental Management Department (SEM).
More details can be viewed on SEM’s website (but will require a UMaine Single Sign-On).
Office of Strategic PArtnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement (SPIRE)
The Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement (SPIRE) helps support new and existing businesses. They link business and industry experts, oversee contracts with industry and facilitate the technology transfer and the commercialization of inventions produced at the University.
