Criterion 2

2.A.1 The institution develops and the governing board adopts the mission.  (Mission development and adoption)

Narrative The Wyoming Constitution Article I, Section 023 (22-0051) states that education is a right of every citizen, and that opportunities shall be afforded to those citizens. The Legislature, in the 1991 Session Laws of Wyoming, Chapter 228, Section 3(a), stipulates that "Wyoming's Community Colleges are low tuition, open access institutions..." The Legislature granted oversight authority to the Wyoming Community College Commission through Wyoming Statue § 21-18-202 (22-0052), to ensure that each college provides fair and ethical behavior in all its actions, including its policies and procedures. The Board of Trustees (the Board), granted authority by Wyoming Statute § 21-18-303 (22-0053), is responsible for the approval of all Board Policies, by which Western establishes procedures to ensure compliance.  Policy 7110A, Mission Statement (22-0005), informs stakeholders of the College's mission. As described in 1.A.1., Policy 7110A (22-0002) requires Western to revisit its mission statement annually, and the College engages stakeholders when updates are deemed necessary. Any changes to the mission must be formally approved by the Board. The revised mission statement adopted January 17, 2019 (22-0005) by the Board resulted in the November 12, 2020 (22-0054) update of Policy 7110A to reflect the new mission statement.

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2.A.2 The institution operates with integrity in its financial, academic, human resources and auxiliary functions.  (Integrity)

Narrative The Board, in order to ensure integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness in college operations, requires the College President to implement specific policies through Administrative Procedures. Policy 7510B, Policies and Procedures Committee (22-0055), requires regular review of policies and procedures. The process allows stakeholders ample time to review documents and propose edits prior to approval. All policies and procedures are available for viewing under the Consumer Information section of the website (22-0433). Anyone wishing to propose a new policy/procedure, or suggest changes to an existing one, must contact the Executive Assistant to President/Board of Trustees for the proposal form (22-0058). Once submitted, the policy/procedure goes through an eight-step approval process (22-0057) including initial steward review, Polices and Procedures (P&P) Committee review, employee comment, P&P final review, legal review (if necessary) steward final review, presidential review, and two separate readings to the Board. If the policy/procedure receives Board approval, it is then added to or updated on the website. Integrity in Financial Functions, Series 3000 of the Board's policies (22-0059) detail policy and procedure for Business Operations. Western has fiscal procedures to carry out fiduciary responsibilities to handle tuition, donations, state and auxiliary funds. Various policies and procedures address financial reporting, cash handling, property, plant and equipment valuation, asset accounting, grant processing, and tuition payments. The College employs a chart of accounts and fund accounting established by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) best practices, that, along with strict management by Western's Business Office, ensure that expenses are recorded and paid properly. Additionally, all budget transfers are approved in the Business Office if they do not change the overall total revenue or expense of the budget, ensuring budget transfers are in line with Board policy. Per Policy 3120A (22-0060), the Board approves the annual budget (22-0061) after scheduled budget workshops and a public hearing (see 5.B.3). Following budget adoption, the Vice President for Administrative Services forwards the appropriate documentation to the Sweetwater County Board of Commissioners.  As per Policy 3160B (22-0062), Western's financials are audited annually by a qualified accounting firm. Upon receiving the completed audit report (22-0063), the Board Audit Committee reviews the report with firm representatives, the Associate Vice President of Finance, and the Vice President for Administrative Services. Recommendations of the firm and the final copy of the audit are accepted by the Board (22-0064). The Vice President for Administrative Services reports to the Board on the progress of compliance with accepted recommendations. Series 6000 of the Board's policies details the policies and procedures for academic functions. Western adheres to high standards of academic integrity and professionalism as stated in the Guiding Principles (22-0014). There are multiple levels of faculty oversight concerning academic matters, e.g., curriculum approval via the Curriculum Committee. The Senate provides a forum for faculty and professional staff members to communicate and actively participate in conveying opinions to the College leadership team and the Board in matters that affect faculty and professionals. Additionally, faculty and professionals serve on various College committees so that the faculty and professional voice is heard (see 3.C.2 and 4.A.4). Integrity in Human Resource Functions, Series 4000 of the Board's policies details policies and procedures for Personnel. Western employees are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty and to discharge their duties impartially. Various policies in the 4420 series identify Standards of Conduct (22-0065) and expectations Western has for all personnel. Employees are to conduct themselves with courtesy and tact. Upon completion of the new hire orientation, new employees are given a copy of the College's Statement of Ethics (22-0066). Policy 4420A (22-0067) prohibits employees from engaging in conflicts of interest that may obstruct employees from carrying out their duty to students and to the public. Included in these standards of conduct are required Title IX procedures. Procedure 5420E, Sexual Misconduct, Harassment & Discrimination (22-0068), Board Policy 7210H, Code of Ethics (22-0156), identify and establish expectations for the Board. Western does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, age, genetic information or disability. The College recognizes that the quality of instruction and educational opportunities for all are enhanced when the diversity of the community is represented in the student population and the College workforce. The College adheres to Policy 4210A (22-0184) and 4210B (22-0069) which discuss the recruitment and application screening process utilized to ensure adherence to non-discrimination law. Newly hired employees receive a comprehensive orientation. Each year employees are notified of the Title IX policy via email, receive Title IX training during in-service sessions, and complete a Title IX review in the College portal. Employees are provided campus crime statistics and other security information as required by the Clery Act. By October 1st of each year the Dean of Students and Protective Services Supervisor emails the Annual Security Report (22-0070) and provides a link to the Campus Security and Fire Safety Consumer Information Report (22-0071). These reports are available in print form, placed in key locations around campus, and are also available upon request. Violating the standards of conduct, Board policies, administrative procedures or General Administrative Regulations (GARs) results in an investigation and may require a performance improvement plan or separation from employment (22-0435). To maintain an ethical and transparent environment, employees and students must feel safe and empowered to disclose information regarding actions of college employees, students or contractors that are not in the public's best interest. The Whistleblower Protection policy (22-0436) is expected to be approved by the end of the 2022.  Western has established and documented fair and ethical practices and procedures for its governing board, administration, faculty, and staff. These practices are articulated in the College's Board Policies and administrative procedures and reinforced in the Board of Trustees Handbook (22-0438), Faculty Handbook (22-0445), Student Handbook, and Course Catalog. Western is an Equal Opportunity Institution.  Western's Faculty Handbook is a resource containing consolidated information to guide faculty regarding policy and procedure, resources, and expectations for faculty service and teaching. This document is a place for faculty to look if questions arise but will also guide faculty to find more in-depth information via the College's website. Per Policy 5510C (22-0073), Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Western respects and actively seeks to protect the privacy rights of its students regarding education records and personal information formulated and/or maintained by the College. Employees who work with student records and other sensitive information, such as Protective Services and Mustang Central, receive FERPA training and sign the FERPA Employee Statement of Understanding. The Registrar provides training sessions during College in-service and convocations, and to College employees as requested. The Information Technology Services department maintains ticket reports and is subject to audits regarding FERPA acknowledgement and the security of student records.  Integrity in Human Resource (HR) actions are evidenced by adherence to various processes including implementation of personnel policies, the College's Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Statement, the institution's Onboarding and Orientation processes, conducting compensation studies (22-0074), holding separate in-service sessions for new faculty (22-0075), and conducting various staff and faculty trainings.  Integrity in auxiliary functions, per Policy 3610A (22-0076), Food Services, Bookstore, Residence Halls, and Motor Pool Operations are all approved auxiliary enterprises of the college that operate under policies and processes that demonstrate and ensure fair and ethical behavior. Sodexo is the current Food Services contractor authorized by the Board, per Policy 3610D (22-0077). Sodexo provides dining and catering services to Western while operating under their own ethics and business integrity principles. Western's Bookstore is self-supporting while operating under College policy. The bookstore uses a wide variety of vendors and performs price comparison checks to provide textbooks, school supplies and miscellaneous items at the best quality and lowest possible price. The bookstore adheres to a Bookstore Refund Policy (22-0078), as well as individual vendor protocols. Eligibility for on-campus housing, both during the academic year and summer is stated in Policy 5520A (22-0079). Additional rules and regulations regarding applying for and living in the residence halls are outlined in the Housing Handbook (22-0080), and again in the Housing Lease (22-0081).

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2.B.1 The institution ensures the accuracy of any representations it makes regarding academic offerings, requirements, faculty and staff, costs to students, governance structure and accreditation relationships.  (Accurate representation)

Narrative The College provides accurate, clear and consistent information to students, employees, and the community. Western's website is the primary source for information for public stakeholders and students, especially prospective students. Site content is maintained internally by content experts. The College recently adopted a Publications Standards Manual (22-0082) that guides content development and maintenance of information. Communication strategies are continually reviewed for accuracy and integrity and these efforts are guided by Policy 5110D (22-0083).  Information related to Western's academic programs (22-0084) are listed on the College website, and program requirements for all degree levels are outlined in the Course Catalog. Class Schedules for each semester are published on the College website. Western's Curriculum Committee and Registrar's office annually review course offerings and programs to ensure information in the Course Catalog is accurate and consistent.  The Course Catalog provides an overview of Western's mission, vision, guiding principles, and an alphabetical listing of faculty and administration. The faculty listing identifies degrees earned. A list of advisory councils is also provided within the Catalog. To ensure information accuracy, each spring the Registrar contacts department content experts to review and make any necessary updates before the Catalog is published to the website.

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2.B.2 The institution ensures evidence is available to support any claims it makes regarding its contributions to the educational experience through research, community engagement, experiential learning, religious or spiritual purpose and economic development.  (Evidence of contributions)

Narrative The College offers student and community engagement experiences that enhance students' overall educational experience. Cocurricular programming supports Goals for Student Success by strengthening each student's personal and professional growth (see 4.B.1). Western's cocurricular web page (22-0085) and its Student Life web page (22-0086) are governed by the Publications Standards Manual (22-0082), ensuring that the page owner works with programs to validate the accuracy of the experiences promoted. The College has publication expectations in its website guidelines document (22-0087) and audit calendar (22-0088). Additionally, program maps are currently being developed for all programs (22-0444). The goal is to clearly connect cocurricular learning experiences to academic experiences. Academic programs are collaborating with the Dean of Students and the Cocurricular Assessment Committee to map cocurricular program outcomes that support the Goals for Student Success. Assessment measures have been developed, and programs will begin collecting evidence to ensure the efficacy of the programs and activities (22-0393).  Several research, community engagement, and experiential learning opportunities are included in current co-curricular offerings. For example: Select students assist the Professor of Biology in a collaborative research project on Modeling and Experimental Studies for Biomechanics of Cardiovascular Stiffness Alterations with the University of Wyoming through Wyoming IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) (22-0089). Students can develop original research under the mentorship of faculty and present their research and scholarship at the College's annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (22-0090). Students collaborate on publications with faculty mentors, as exemplified in the recent publication of a contribution in the Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science (22-0091). Western hosts a variety of courses and cultural events as well as educational opportunities for youth when partnering with Sweetwater County BOCES (22-0092). The Cultural Affairs Committee provides cultural experiences to the campus and community. These include performing arts events, public speakers, and workshops that are not directly related to the classroom experience, but are available to the campus community and local citizens. Students in the Exercise Science program partner with Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, the Wyoming Department of Health, and Wyoming Cancer Resource Services to sponsor the Wellness Challenge, a 12-week fitness program designed to help community members (see 3.B.4). Western participates in the economic development of area communities. Over more than 20 years, the College's Manufacturing and Industrial Technology programs have provided industries in Sweetwater County with safety courses for employees (22-0093), testing for employee certification for advancement, and other specialized training. Western provides continuing education (22-0094) and workforce training to support the lifelong learning of community members and organizations. On campus, work-study jobs help students develop the soft skills demanded by employers.

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2.C.1 The governing board is trained and knowledgeable so that it makes informed decisions with respect to the institution’s financial and academic policies and practices; the board meets its legal and fiduciary responsibilities.  (Governing Board Priorities)

Narrative Wyoming Statutes §21-18-303 - §21-18-305 (22-0095) identify the Trustees' powers and duties as an autonomous governing board. It is the Board's responsibility to ensure the College is operating in an ethical and responsible manner, as evidenced in Policy 7210B (22-0096). However, as stated in 7210B, "The Governing Board delegates day-to-day management of the institution to the administration and expects the faculty to oversee academic matters." Because Board members are elected officials with varying experiences, it is critical that appropriate and timely training is provided to new and existing members to inform them of their legal and fiduciary responsibilities (22-0097). As per Policy 7210A (22-0098), the Western Wyoming Community College District Board of Trustees is comprised of seven elected members: four members from Sweetwater County School District #1, two members from Sweetwater County School District #2 and one 'at-large' member. Terms of office are for four years with staggered terms. Currently no restrictions exist on the number of terms a Trustee may serve. All Board meeting packets (agenda, agenda item documentation, supporting documents, reports, etc.) are uploaded to an online site, BoardDocs, for public access. Board materials are available for public review (see 2.C.3). Per Policy 7710A, the Board of Trustees is thoroughly oriented regarding Board functions, policies, procedures, and current College matters of special significance. The onboarding process for new Board members includes a thorough review of the Board Orientation Handbook (22-0056), and training on how to access relevant resources, such as the College's BoardDocs (22-0099), policies and procedures, and state statutes. New members also meet with Western's President for more in-depth training on the current state of the institution. If desired, Board members can also meet one-on-one with Vice Presidents.  A copy of Trusteeship in Community Colleges: A Guide for Effective Governance, from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), is provided to all new board members (22-0151). Additionally, Board members are encouraged, but not required, to attend training offered by ACCT. In 2021, two new Board members attended ACCT's Governance Leadership Institute Program (22-0152). Board members may also receive various training and legislative updates through the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees (WACCT). As outlined in chapter two of the Board Orientation Handbook (22-0056), the Board follows practices that ensure sound fiscal management. Every January, the Board approves a Budget Preparation Calendar (22-0153). The Board reviews and discusses the proposed budget during scheduled workshops, and then adopts the annual budget each July (22-0154). Board members are trained on their responsibilities during the review of the Board Orientation Handbook and annual refreshers during the budgeting process. The Board delegates day-to-day oversight of financial matters to college administration as dictated in the 3000 policy series (22-0059). The Board carries out its legal responsibilities by adhering to Policies 7210H, Code of Ethics and 7210G, Conflict of Interest, and by complying with the Wyoming State Statutes relevant to college Boards (22-0155) (22-0156) (22-0095).

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2.C.2 The governing board’s deliberations reflect priorities to preserve and enhance the institution.  (Decision-Making Considerations)

Narrative Western's Board deliberations reflect priorities to preserve and enhance the College, and align with the Strategic Plan, as well as the College's Mission Statement (22-0005), Guiding Principles (22-0014), and Vision (22-0015). The Board's commitment to preserving and enhancing Western is evident in deliberations during significant budget reductions that were necessary in 2020 and 2021 due to decreases in state and local funding. After declaring a financial emergency at the September 10, 2020 regular meeting (22-0157), the Board held special meetings on September 21, 2020 (22-0158), January 21, 2021 (22-0159) and January 28, 2021 (22-0160) to deliberate budget cuts, allowing employees to make comments at each of those meetings.  Actions necessitated by the pandemic also serve as evidence that Board deliberations reflect priorities to preserve the College. The Board made decisions allowing the President to protect students, staff, and visitors while ensuring students were able to continue their education. The Board deliberated at length when a proposal to grant temporary emergency powers to Western's President was brought forward at a special Board meeting on March 26, 2020 (22-0161). The Board ratified actions taken by the administration during a meeting on April 9, 2020 (22-0162). The Board also debated a proposed variance request on COVID-19 rules implemented by county and state health officials on May 7, 2020 (22-0163) and deliberated a reopening plan drafted by the administration on July 15, 2020 (22-0164). The Board's deliberations show a clear intent to enhance the College by providing appropriate instructional spaces. This is evident in Board meeting minutes from December 6, 2012 (22-0165) and April 11, 2013 (22-0166) when construction of the Western Wyoming Workforce Training Center was being discussed. After Western's industry partners requested expanded opportunities for industrial training, a 7,500 square foot building was constructed providing four classrooms and large laboratory spaces. Construction of the Western Wyoming Workforce Training Center also allowed growth for other workforce training programs by reducing the number of classes held in the Manufacturing and Industrial Technology wing of the College.

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2.C.3 The governing board reviews the reasonable and relevant interests of the institution’s internal and external constituencies during its decision making deliberations.  (Reasonable and relevant interests)

Narrative The Board has established policies and procedures providing opportunities for internal and external constituencies to participate in the business of the Board, and which ensures the interests of these constituencies are considered during decision-making deliberations. Policy 7410A establishes all regular meetings of the Board are open to the public and announced via email notifications. Special meetings are announced by email (22-0167). Policy 7410E states that agendas for all regular meetings are made available to interested parties, e.g. local media, upon request (22-0168). A public participation and communication period is a standard part of the regular board meeting agenda per Policy 7410J (22-0169). Executive sessions are closed to the public as defined by state statue and outlined in Policy 7410B (22-0170). Policy 7310D states that the Board of Trustees may establish special committees to carry out its responsibilities. Current examples include a Real Estate Committee, Audit/Finance Committee, President and Board Evaluation Committee, and Safety Committee. Each committee has three appointed board members who, with the exception of the President and Board Evaluation Committee, work with various people in Western's Administration (22-0171). Key College departments present annual reports to the Board, which provides an opportunity for the Board to be informed, and for constituents to celebrate success or express concerns. From time to time, other employees in leadership roles are requested to attend meetings and present information. Representatives from Senate, the Paraprofessional Alliance, and the Student Government Association provide oral and written reports for monthly board meetings during the academic year. These monthly reports are the primary communication method that students and staff have with the Board. When a topic is slated for discussion on the Board agenda, individual employees attend to listen to the conversation, and contribute as requested to support the Board's understanding of the topic.

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2.C.4 The governing board preserves its independence from undue influence on the part of donors, elected officials, ownership interests, or other external parties.  (Independence from Undue Influence)

Narrative The Board established policies and practices that support its continued independence and autonomy from undue influences. Each board member affirms their appointment reciting an oath of office (22-0172). Policy 7210G states that board members shall avoid all conflicts of interest (22-0156). The Board updated Policy 7210G, to require members to disclose in an annual filing any conflicts that may have arisen. In addition, Policy 7210H, Code of Ethics (22-0155) established "a standard of performance" to provide a benchmark for each Board member's performance. Per Policy 7620A (22-0174), Board members are expected to complete a yearly self-evaluation. However, it became apparent that an enhanced tool was necessary to aid members in completing self evaluations (22-0175). That tool was designed at a May 25, 2021 board retreat (22-0176), with each member completing the evaluation tool. This will be an annual requirement moving forward. Board members are prohibited from receiving compensation for their services, as per Policy 7410C, Board Member Compensation (22-0177), and state statute (22-0178). The Board Treasurer is required to complete a Financial Disclosure (22-0179), declaring any financial interest with financial institutions which the College does or may do business with, as per Policy 7210G, Conflict of Interest. Per Policy 7310H, the Board of Trustees requires a Board Audit Committee, which reviews potential conflicts of interest. Another important institutional practice related to maintaining Board independence and autonomy is the acceptance of gifts to the College. Donations to Western are vetted and accepted through the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Western Wyoming College Foundation. Per Policy 7310E (22-0181) the Foundation has a separate Board of Directors comprised of seven members; four directors who have no direct relation to the College, two who are associated with the College, and the College President as an at-large director. This ensures that Western's governing board is not unduly influenced by large gifts to the College.

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2.C.5 The governing board delegates day-to-day management of the institution to the institution’s administration and expects the institution’s faculty to oversee academic matters.  (Day-to-day management)

Narrative Policy 7210B, Board Powers and Duties states, "The Governing Board delegates day-to-day management of the institution to the administration and expects the faculty to oversee academic matters" (22-0096). In addition, Policy 7310C, Board and College President Relationship delegates day-to-day management of the institution to the College President (22-0174). The Board has one employee, the College President, to whom they delegate the day-to-day operations of the college. The College President works closely with the Board Chair to address college issues in a timely fashion, specifically those of a policy nature, and reports on her monthly activities through a written President's Report to the Trustees (22-0475). While the Board has full control of the 7000 Policy series (22-0183), all other policies and procedures are developed, reviewed and revised by the Policies and Procedures Committee, as stated in Policy 7510B (22-0055). The Board approves policies, but not procedures. How the institution chooses to carry out the policy is incumbent upon its leadership. However, the Board may choose to view procedures associated with the policies so they can determine whether the policy is being implemented in alignment with their intent. Policies 7510C (22-0185), 7510D (22-0186), and 7510E (22-0187) discuss the adoption, suspension and dissemination of all policies.  Western has an effective structures that ensure faculty oversight of academic matters. Board Policy 7110D, Goals for Student Success (22-0005), sets the foundation by which all curricular and co-curricular activities shall "...exemplify its commitment to comprehensive learning and serve as the foundation for the College's assessment program." Policy 2140A, Program Review (22-0189), requires all academic programs to "...ensure program quality and effective stewardship of resources..." For example, faculty served on the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Steering Committee (22-0188) and Curriculum Committee (22-0190) to aid in the development and approval of the new BAS degree. The Curriculum Committee (22-0191) is mostly a faculty-based committee that approves and modifies all new and current courses and programs (22-0192), as well as curriculum requirements for all degrees. Faculty members are appointed as department facilitators and carry out duties as defined (22-0193). Faculty in each department are responsible for administering and managing common assessment and making modifications accordingly. Faculty have oversight for course schedules and assignments, according to the needs of their departments and programs. Policy 6110A, Statement on Academic Freedom (22-0195) states, "...academic freedom is essential to fulfill the educational purpose of this College, the teachers have the right to protection from any censorship or restraint that might interfere with their obligation to pursue truth. The Board of Trustees should, therefore, encourage and guarantee freedom of expression. At the same time, both the Board and the teachers recognize that this freedom includes the academic responsibility as described and defined by the relevant professional organizations." In addition, Policy 6110B, The Objectives of the Instructional Program (22-0196) requires instructional programs to fulfill the objectives of Western's Mission and Guiding Principles. This includes not only academic services, but student support services available to students.

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2.D The institution is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression in the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning.  (Freedom of Expression)

Narrative Western is committed to freedom of speech and freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning. The College supports the right of each person to examine, discuss, and support issues and express opinions within the limits set by the State of Wyoming. Within the academic community, issues are always open for discussion; an orderly and rational examination of local and global issues, objectives, values, and of educational and social systems is expected. However, it is important that faculty and students also understand the rules and boundaries of classroom decorum. Classroom protocols are listed in the course syllabi, along with other pertinent information. These rights are enumerated in Policy 6110A, Statement on Academic Freedom (22-0195), and in Policy 5430A, Student Bill of Rights (22-0198). Additionally, freedom of expression is addressed in the procedure (22-0199) under Policy 1330A (22-0197). Policy 5430A, Student Bill of Rights (22-0198), identifies multiple rights to which students are entitled. Should a student feel their rights are infringed upon, either academically or otherwise, Western's grievance procedure is available to manage complaints and to render decisions. Policy 5430B, Student Due Process (22-0209), outlines the procedures for students to follow, and policy is also available publicly on Western's website. The procedure ensures that a student's complaint is heard promptly, equitably, and informally. If informal resolution is not possible, students may present their case to an Academic Grievance Committee, but hopefully the conflict can be resolved in the initial steps of the process when the student discusses the matter with the instructor, the school chairperson, and the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

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2.E.1 Institutions supporting basic and applied research maintain professional standards and provide oversight ensuring regulatory compliance, ethical behavior and fiscal accountability.  (Professional standards)

Narrative The Board recognizes the College is not a research-based institution and acknowledges that there are instances where the involvement of human subjects (e.g., students and employees) in research is an integral part of the advancement of educational and scientific research. Policy 2510A (22-0401) guides the review and approval of requests to involve human research subjects from the College community. The policy details the philosophy of institutional research while on procedures (22-0402) delineates requirements for research involving human subjects and a separate procedure (22-0403) delineates those requirements for research involving animals. Western accommodates investigatory endeavors in an ethical manner, and the safety of its students and employees are the College's priority. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a standing committee assembled by the College President (22-0404). All research by external investigators must be reviewed and approved (22-0406), regardless of funding source, are guided by the ethical principles in the Belmont Report (22-0407), and all activities related to federally conducted or federally supported human subject research comply with the Terms of Assurance for Protection of Human Subjects for Institutions within the United States (22-0408). Western's IRB documents its written processes according to Federal Protection of Human Subjects Regulations 45 C.F.R. 46.115(a)(6). 45 C.F.R. 46.103(b)(4), and 45 C.F.R. 46.103(b)(5). All research projects involving human participants conducted by faculty, staff, and students associated with the College must receive IRB approval prior to initiating the research. Researchers must adhere to guidance provided by the Office of Human Research Protections, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (22-0409). Any research activities related to animal research, regardless of funding source, must be guided by the ethical principles in the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (22-0410). The faculty and students are expected to comply with all training protocols.  In addition, all personnel (faculty and students) must complete online animal research training provided by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)(22-0411). All vertebrate animal research at Western must be approved by the University of Wyoming Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC visits/inspects the College's lab at least once a year to ensure compliance.

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2.E.2 The institution provides effective support services to ensure the integrity of research and scholarly practice conducted by its faculty, staff and students.  (Research and scholarly practice)

Narrative  Western provides effective support services to ensure the integrity of research and scholarly practice conducted by faculty, staff, and students (see 2.E.1). The College offers Academic Leave (22-0412) for faculty and professionals to conduct research or complete programs that will ultimately benefit Western, students, and professional employees. Academic Leave applicants are required to submit detailed plans that are then approved by the Leave of Absence Review and Evaluation Committee. Academic Leave recipients are required to provide evidence of completion of the proposed program to the Leave of Absence Committee, the President and the Board of Trustees. The initial review of academic leave plans and the requirement to submit evidence of completion ensures the integrity of the individual plan. Academic Leave is offered when fiscally feasible but has not been funded since 2018 due to ongoing legislative budget cuts. Western recognizes faculty for scholarly publications or presentations (22-0413). The College ensures the integrity of research and scholarly practice by providing documented expectations in the Faculty Handbook, in addition to forming the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)(22-0415). The CLT provides regular training and assists faculty with course development and innovative instruction techniques. Western provides effective student support through information literacy instruction, online training modules, and access to plagiarism software. Per Policy 6220D, Academic Dishonesty (22-0416), students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. While instructors are allowed to impose consequences for academic dishonesty at their discretion, students may appeal any academic grievances by following the protocols provided in Board Policy 5430B, Academic Grievance (22-0209) (22-0400). Policy 3910I, Copyright (22-0424), sets forth expectations in following all copyright laws. A new policy regarding the Acceptable Use of Computing Resources (22-0425) was adopted, This policy reinforces copyright laws and articulates the expectations for all students using College computing resources. All first year students have the opportunity to enroll in the First Year Success course (22-0426) which provides embedded information literacy instruction. Students are also able to access research training modules in Western's learning management system, Canvas. Students in specific courses are provided access to, and are encouraged to use, plagiarism software called Turnitin. Students can participate in the annual Research Symposium (22-0427) to gain experience presenting their research findings, which is an essential component of the research process. Research Symposium participants also receive formal evaluations (22-0428) of their presentations. Students conducting research (22-0429) must receive approval from the IRB, which provides additional information and expectations for ethics in research. Western receives grant funds as part of Wyoming IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) which is funded by the National Institutes for Health and the National Institute for General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The INBRE grant is overseen by the University of Wyoming (UW) and all protocols must be approved by UW's Institutional Animal care and Use Committee (IACUC)(22-0434).

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2.E.3 The institution provides students guidance in the ethics of research and use of information resources.  (Ethics of research)

Narrative Western provides traditional research opportunities for students through Wyoming INBRE and the Research Symposium as described in 2.E.2. Students are provided guidance in research ethics through their work with INBRE and Western's IRB. Students are also given guidance in the use of information sources through various methods described below. Efforts to help students develop an understanding and appreciation for the ethical and responsible use of information sources begin with the First Year Success course. This class is optional  for all degree seeking students and is designed to help the students succeed. One of the learning outcomes is as follows: [The student will] "review the ethical guidelines required for college success, including plagiarism and the proper citing of sources." Students are offered guidance in the ethical and effective use of information resources through a variety of communications and settings as outlined in the First Year Success syllabus specific course content, discussions, and colloquia provided by faculty. Course content includes: citing sources, ethics-based discussion and how it applies to everyday life and in several fields of study, code of conduct, posed questions, and colloquium topics. Additionally, students have opportunities to ask questions and seek assistance from library staff. Western's library professionals provide instruction to students on information literacy and research skills in courses by instructor request. In 2019, library professionals provided 45 separate in-class trainings. Library professionals aid online students through Western's Canvas learning management system.

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2.E.4 The institution enforces policies on academic honesty and integrity.  (Academic Honesty and Integrity)

Narrative Western makes clear and enforces expectations pertaining to academic honesty and integrity. The Student Handbook (22-0072) explicitly defines academic integrity for the student body and refers both students and faculty to relevant resources. These expectations are enumerated in Policy 6220D, Academic Dishonesty (22-0416). Students suspected of engaging in academic dishonesty are afforded due process and, if necessary, subject to disciplinary action. All cases of academic dishonesty are initially handled at the discretion of the instructor. If an instructor determines that academic dishonesty has occurred, the instructor will determine the appropriate consequence. Consequences may include failing the assignment or dismissal from a class, and in some cases, dismissal from a program. Instructors are strongly encouraged to report academic dishonesty through the Maxient reporting form (22-0417) on the College's website. Until Fall 2021, Western lacked a structured process for tracking Maxient reports submitted for "Cheating and/or Plagiarism." Since then, submitted forms are routed to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, and then forwarded to the appropriate School Chair. If a Chair is notified of an academic dishonesty issue outside of the Maxient reporting system, the Chair will submit a form on the instructor's behalf for the purpose of logging and tracking. Once a School Chair has been made aware of academic dishonesty, they will formally address the matter with the instructor and/or student. Students engaging in academic dishonesty more than once may be dismissed from the College. Students retain the right of due process and may appeal the decision through Policy 5430B, Academic Grievance (22-0400).  The following summarizes recent Maxient reporting data (22-0418) for Academic Integrity Issues: Summer 2021 - 0 reports Spring 2021 - 2 reports Fall 2020- 1 report Western creates a culture where academic integrity is practiced. Both faculty and students are taught to understand what constitutes academic misconduct. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to plagiarism and cheating. Students and faculty gain a better understanding of these terms through the Course Catalog. Additionally, each student receives supplemental information accompanying their course syllabus, defining academic integrity and reference to Policy 6220D, Academic Dishonesty (22-0416). Western's faculty have access to the Course Catalog and Student Handbook aligning the concept of academic misconduct across the College. Each instructor has the option to use Turnitin (22-0419), which is a comprehensive plagiarism detection platform integrated into Western's learning management system. Turnitin provides instructors with a similarity score (22-0420), and provides the original source of the material. This allows for efficient and productive discussion should punitive action be warranted. The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) maintains data (22-0421) on the usage of Turnitin.  Instructors may use Honorlock for proctoring online exams. Honorlock records the students, and their computer screen as they take an online exam. Honorlock offers "live" proctoring and allows instructors the opportunity to review exam sessions afterward. The CTL maintains data on the usage of Honorlock (22-0422). To support student writing without resorting to plagiarism, students have access to NetTutor (22-0430) via Western's Canvas system. As outlined by NetTutor's Student Guide (22-0431), "You can submit writing assignments through the Paper Center (22-0432). Tutors will provide feedback to help guide your revisions, giving suggestions on topic development, organization, clarity, grammar, and sentence structure. They will make comments to help you improve as a writer. It is up to you to take the tutor's feedback and make any necessary changes: the tutor will not correct sentences for you."

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