Our commitment
City Open University (CoU) is building a globally trusted, digitally enabled research center for online learning universities. This Code of Conduct makes integrity practical—through clear standards, OpenPlus-ready tools, and supportive reporting pathways—so research strengthens programs, improves learning outcomes, and drives market-relevant innovation.
Open & verifiable
Transparent methods, reproducible workflows, and credible outputs
Digital-first safety
Privacy-by-design, security controls, and responsible AI use
Student-to-scholar pathway
Mentored integrity for capstone, thesis, dissertation, and publications
Global collaboration
Aligned expectations for partners, multi-site and multi-country research
Core principles
These principles guide every research stage—from idea to dissemination—across all CoU schools and programs.
1) Honesty & transparency
Report methods, data, analyses, limitations, and funding truthfully. Keep complete records and avoid selective reporting.
2) Respect & protection
Protect participants, communities, and sensitive information. Obtain required approvals and honor cultural and community norms.
3) Accountability & stewardship
Use resources responsibly; ensure strong supervision and mentoring; and follow data security and retention rules.
4) Fairness & inclusion
Give appropriate credit, prevent discrimination, and manage conflicts of interest so decisions remain objective and equitable.
5) Openness & reproducibility
Share where possible: preregistrations, datasets (when permitted), code, materials, and protocols—using CoU repository standards.
Research standards (table)
| Area | Minimum requirement | OpenPlus tools | Guidance link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Records & versioning | Keep complete, dated records; retain raw data; track changes. | Research Records • Repository • Version history | Records |
| Data protection | Classify data; apply access controls; encrypt sensitive files. | Secure storage • Access logs • Audit reports | AI & Data |
| Human research | Obtain ethics review as required; use informed consent. | Ethics workflow • Consent templates | Human research |
| AI-assisted work | Disclose meaningful AI use; validate outputs; document prompts when relevant. | AI log • Prompt record • Model registry | AI governance |
| Authorship | Agree roles early; record contributions; disclose conflicts and funding. | Contribution tracker • ORCID profiles | Authorship |
| Publication integrity | Accurate citations; no plagiarism; corrections where needed. | Similarity check • DOI assignment • Repository deposit | Submit |
If your project includes minors, highly sensitive data, or multi-country collection, contact the Ethics & Compliance Desk before any recruitment or data transfer.
Authorship & publication integrity
CoU supports open, credible publication and recognizes both traditional scholarship and digital innovation. Authorship must reflect real contribution and responsibility.
Authorship rules (minimum)
- Agree roles early (lead author, co-authors, corresponding author)
- Record contributions (writing, analysis, data collection, supervision)
- Disclose funding, affiliations, and conflicts of interest
- No “guest,” “gift,” or “ghost” authorship
Citation, originality & reuse
- Cite all sources and datasets used
- Use similarity checking before submission
- Use appropriate licenses for sharing (where permitted)
- Correct the record promptly when errors are discovered
Open science options
When appropriate, CoU encourages:
- Preregistration or registered reports
- Open methods, materials, and code
- Data sharing with safeguards and access tiers
- Plain-language summaries for communities and policymakers
Reporting & support (safe routes)
CoU encourages early reporting. You can ask for guidance, raise a concern, or submit a formal allegation. Confidentiality is respected, and retaliation is prohibited.
| Situation | Best route | Response target |
|---|---|---|
| Unsure if ethics review is needed | Ethics & Compliance Desk | Within 3–5 business days |
| Potential plagiarism / authorship dispute | Research Integrity Office | Initial guidance within 5 business days |
| Data privacy / security incident | Data & AI Governance Desk + OpenPlus Support | Same day triage |
| Suspected fabrication / falsification | Formal allegation to Research Integrity Office | Case review initiated promptly |
| Urgent risk to people or systems | OpenPlus Support + local emergency routes | Immediate |
Anonymous reporting is accepted. If you include contact details, CoU can follow up for clarification and support.
How investigations work (fair process)
- Intake: concern logged, triage for safety, confidentiality, and scope
- Preliminary review: evidence check, parties notified where appropriate
- Formal assessment: panel review, interviews, and documentation
- Decision: findings and recommended actions
- Correction: updates to records, publications, and systems
FAQ
Do I always need ethics review?
Not always. If you involve people, private data, or any risk, consult the Ethics & Compliance Desk before recruitment or data collection.
Can I use AI tools in my research?
Yes, but you must validate outputs, document meaningful AI use, and avoid placing restricted data into tools that are not approved.
What if I discover an error after publication?
Report it promptly. CoU supports corrections and clarifications to protect the integrity of the record.
How do I avoid plagiarism?
Cite sources, paraphrase responsibly, keep notes, and use similarity checking before submission.
Do these rules apply to collaborations?
Yes. Collaborations must align with CoU standards; where partner policies are stricter, the stricter policy applies.
Need a fast decision?
If you are unsure, start here:
- Review the standards matrix
- Ask the right desk via Integrity support
- Document your decision inside OpenPlus records