Following data retention guidelines provides safeguards and benefits to the University as well as to investigators.

When considering data retention guidelines, keep these questions in mind:

• How long are you required to keep research data? Who/what decides?
• What is at risk if research data are not retained?
• What entities typically impose data retention restrictions on research projects?
• Where should the data be maintained during the retention period?
• How should data be destroyed once the retention period has been completed?

Think about these questions as you read the case study on the next page.