Published September 17, 2025, via Research News
In order to comply with WashU policies as well as any applicable funding agency requirements, all external academic, institutional, or organizational appointments must be reported as required by the External Professional Activities (EPA) Policy, regardless of your engagement in research. This requirement encompasses any paid or unpaid appointments, including affiliations, teaching, and employment outside of WashU. Appointments may be full-time, part-time, voluntary, adjunct, visiting, honorary/guest, courtesy either domestic or foreign. For appointments outside the U.S, supporting documentation such as copies of appointment or employment contracts, appointment letters, grants, and associated correspondence must be provided to WashU and as required by funding agencies, if applicable.
Mechanisms for reporting:
Appointments are to be reported to WashU via the External Professional Activities disclosure form, which must be updated at least once a year. New appointments (or renewals of existing appointments) must receive prior approval from the School and can be initiated through a Prior Approval Request Form. These disclosure forms are submitted through the Research Management System (RMS). Contact the COI Office at 314-747-4181 or coi@wustl.edu for support on WashU’s disclosure process and which form to submit.
For researchers, appointments must also be reported on Biosketches when required by a funding agency. Any research support (including in-kind) received through such appointments must also be included on Current and Pending (Other) Support documents. Any updates may be required to be reported as part of progress reporting, final reporting, or at any time there is a significant change that could impact the award. Additional resources:
- Biosketch & Other Support Contact your Department Administrator or Grant Analyst for additional support – researchgrants@wusm.wustl.edu
- Guidance for Personal Agreements
Of note, information submitted to WashU and funding agencies should align, (e,g, any appointments reported to WashU should also be reported to funding agencies, and vice versa). Contact Jeneane Braden, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Integrity & Ethics orie@wustl.edu or Krys Gross, Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Sponsored Projects kgross@wustl.edu for questions pertaining to the appropriate disclosure and reporting of international activities.