Principles of Responsible Conduct
Penn’s underlying expectations for the conduct of all University and Health System activity.
Policies
A useful reference outlining the rules and regulations that govern the University.
This page links to important Penn policies and compendia of policies in some areas that affect Penn faculty, staff, students, and the community. For information about policies specific to Penn Medicine or one of Penn’s 12 Schools, consult the website of the individual health system or school.
University Policies
Adherence to University Policy
Penn’s expectations for employee compliance to laws, policies, and procedures.
Non-Retaliation Policy
Information about reporting suspected policy non-compliance and about policies prohibiting retaliation against report claimants.
Conflict of Interest
Extramural and institutional policies on what constitutes an employees’ improper benefit from their position of trust at Penn (for research-specific policies, see below).
Use of Penn Name
Policies related to the sanctioned use of the University name in official, licensed, and private capacities.
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination
Penn’s Equal Opportunity Policy and Nondiscrimination Statement.
Sexual Misconduct (PDF)
Code of conduct, available resources, and procedures for resolving complaints of sexual harassment within the unit or at the University level.
Student and Academic Life
The Pennbook
A collection of policies related to student life at Penn, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct.
Faculty Handbook
A set of policies governing faculty life at Penn, including links to policies on frequently searched topics.
Policies on Graduate Education
University-wide policies for Ph.D. and research master’s programs.
Research and Sponsored Programs
Human Subjects Research
The Penn Institutional Review Board’s Standard Operating Policies manual includes details about informed consent and HIPAA authorization, responsibilities of investigators, and more.
Animal Subjects Research
Resources include guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures dictated by Penn’s Animal Care and Use Committee and University Laboratory Animal Resources.
Conflict of Interest
Find information regarding the University’s Research-Related Financial Conflicts of Interest (FCOI) Program.
Sponsored Research Policies
Online resources include the Sponsored Projects Handbook; policies related to research, financial operations and sponsors; federal OMB Circulars; and more.
Postdoctoral Fellow Policies
Resources include Penn’s Policy for Postdoctoral Fellows and Penn’s Policy for the Appointment of Foreign Nationals Under the Postdoctoral Trainee Program.
Environmental Health & Radiation Safety
Covers policies related to biological safety, chemical waste management, laboratory safety, laser safety, radiation safety, and workplace safety.
Research Misconduct
A comprehensive policy from the Vice Provost for Research for all members of Penn’s research community, outlining standards, procedures, and reporting pathways related to research misconduct.
Policy for Reviewing Alleged Research Misconduct
Patents (PDF)
Penn’s Patent and Tangible Research Property Policy governs the intellectual property created by faculty, employees, students, and guest scholars of the University.
International
Penn Abroad
Resources include academic and financial policies and expectations for student participants and their study abroad experience.
International Students and Scholars
Find instructions and forms on the full range of requirements for international students and scholars.
Register Your Trip
It is mandatory for all Penn students and all Penn faculty and staff traveling with Penn students on Penn-affiliated trips to register their international travel.
Administrative
Human Resources Policy Manual
The source for all policies related to employment at Penn, including benefits, compensation, performance, recruitment, sick leave, termination, time off, and more.
Financial Policy Manual
A reference guide for administrators with financial responsibilities at Penn. The manual delineates responsibility, authority, and accountability in matters such as payroll, gifts, travel, and more.
Computing
Computing policies and guidelines for each user of the University’s computing resources. Covers topics from mobile devices to networking and security.
Privacy
Policies and materials to guide faculty, staff, and students who work with personal information. Includes policies on FERPA, SSNs, CCTV, and links to Penn’s Confidential Help and Reporting line.
Facilities Management
Information on design guidelines and standards for all facilities-related work; safety procedures and protocols; and policies associated with outdoor space, signage, and leasing.
Workday
Learn about the policies that govern the use of the University’s human resources and payroll platform.
Safety and Security
Penn policies on weapons and other dangerous articles, fire safety, bicycles, and the use of CCTV cameras for safety and security purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Penn policies, please contact Penn’s Confidential Reporting and Helpline at 215-P-COMPLY (215-726-6759) or visit the 215-P-COMPLY website.