We believe good communication with institutions is important. When enrolling in the Professional Skills for Researchers Coaching Program, clients are required to identify an institutional official (IO) with whom we may speak and to provide contact information for the IO. Additionally, clients are required to complete an online form (1) agreeing to our confidentiality policy and (2) indicating whether we have permission to share their Professional Development Plan (PDP) with their institution.

We require an interview with the IO to understand their perception of challenges and goals for coaching; we may waive this requirement if the IO declines to be interviewed.

What we provide to institutions:

• Notification of Enrollment – An email is sent to an IO when an individual has completed the registration portion of the program. We disclose to clients that we will inform IOs, upon request, whether an individual has commenced with the program.
• Coaching Program Completion Report – This is itemized and indicates satisfactory or unsatisfactory completion of the following elements of the coaching program: all assessments and required worksheets, activities and surveys; attendance at and active participation in coaching calls; development of an appropriate PDP with initial implementation of elements; creation of an accountability system to accomplish PDP elements; and completion of all requirements in a timely manner. (See document here.)
• With the client’s permission, Professional Development Plan (PDP). This is a document outlining professional goals and identified activities that will help achieve the goals. (Note: While we actively advise on PDPs, the client determines the final PDP content. Unlike institutions, we lack the authority to mandate an action plan, and client buy-in is important to success.)

If you strongly desire the final PDP, please instruct the researcher you are referring to grant us permission to share this. (Please see the Information for Institutional Officials webpage for more information.) Many institutions require this as evidence that the client satisfactorily completed the required program. If participation in our program is not required, then this becomes less important but may still be desirable.

What we do not provide to institutions:

• Results from written assessments completed by the client.
• Subjective assessments of the client’s progress. For example, we cannot make statements about whether we think the problematic behaviors will stop, or whether we would restore the client’s research privileges.

What we accept from institutions:

• Action Plans: When a client has an institutional action plan to complete activities other than the Coaching Program, then we encourage the client or institution to share with us the action plan, including activities that have already been completed or will be complete in the future.
• Investigation reports
• Final reports
• Determination letters
• Other pertinent materials

If you have any questions regarding communications with institutions, please contact the Program Manager at integrity@wustl.edu.