POLICY ON JOINT AUTHORSHIP

I. Qualifications for Authorship. Authorship should be based on any of the following:

  1. Initiating the scientific ideals addressed in the paper. qualify that person for authorship.
  2. Significant contribution to building the experimental apparatus.
  3. Significant contribution to the data taking.
  4. Major contribution to the data analysis.
  5. Important role in writing the paper and reviewing its scientific content.

Authorship should not be based on the following:

  1. Participation in obtaining funding or general supervision of the group but not participating in the general intellectual activity of the group does not qualify that person for authorship.

  2. Simply being a member of a group does not qualify a person for authorship.

II. Authorship Order. The person making the greatest scientific contribution is the first author. It is usually clear who has done this. Subsequent authors are listed in order of decreasing scientific contribution.

III. When Conflicts Arise. Sometimes, even when the rules have been followed, a student may feel unfairly treated. The best possible solution is for the faculty advisor and the student to discuss and hopefully resolve the conflict. If that does not work, a student and faculty advisor may ask the graduate chair to arbitrate. The graduate chair may ask the department chair for assistance.