Faculty misconduct is defined as any professional misconduct committed by an academic faculty member as described in the following categories: Research Misconduct, Academic Misconduct, Misconduct in Patient Care, Nonacademic Misconduct, and Retaliation. Examples are given in Guidance on Addressing Faculty Conduct Issues and Administering Disciplinary Action. A particular instance of misconduct could fall within more than one of these categories.

1. Research Misconduct is the fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism, in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or in reporting research results. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data. (from RES-004: Research Misconduct)
2. Academic Misconduct is a violation of professional ethics by a faculty member that falls into these categories: fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism related to academic functions that does not fall within the category of Research Misconduct; compromising the integrity of a faculty governance process; abuse of power for academic benefit; and abuses and violations of principles of academic freedom (the faculty member’s and others’) as defined in the Faculty Handbook. Research Misconduct as defined by RES-004: Research Misconduct is excluded from this definition.
3. Misconduct in Patient Care encompasses a range of unethical and unprofessional behaviors by clinical faculty that violate standards of patient care, may jeopardize patient safety, and/or can potentially lead to an action on clinical privileges.
4. Nonacademic Misconduct is a violation of professional conduct by a faculty member, including a violation of the University Code of Ethics for Faculty and Staff, University policies, or federal and state laws, that does not fall solely within the definitions of Academic Misconduct, Research Misconduct, or Misconduct in Patient Care. This includes conduct normally investigated by the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (including the Title IX Office), Human Resources/Employee Relations, University Police, or Audit & Compliance.
5. Retaliation is materially adverse action taken by a faculty member against an individual because they: (a) submitted a good faith report of allegations of Faculty Misconduct; (b) assisted or participated in the review or assessment of such allegations; and/or (c) assisted or participated in an investigation of such allegations. Materially adverse action is action that is likely to discourage a reasonable person from engaging in the activities described in elements (a), (b), and/or (c).