In the episode of a new series on academic medical centers, Edye Edens of Kulkarni Law Firm sits down with Cortni Romaine of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to explore how compliance offices in academia create programs that others aspire to emulate. Cortni explains FAU’s proactive approach to compliance, emphasizing the importance of partnerships both within the university and across the state. At FAU, new federal, state, or institutional requirements are reviewed collaboratively by compliance, research integrity, sponsored programs, general counsel, and other key offices to ensure smooth implementation. Beyond the campus, FAU participates in the Compliance Alliance, a statewide network that brings together universities to openly share policies, training opportunities, and solutions to emerging challenges. Unlike industry, where competitive pressures and proprietary concerns often limit collaboration, academia thrives on an environment of trust and knowledge-sharing. Cortni highlights how colleagues across institutions freely exchange policies, training materials, and even failures—acknowledging when a particular initiative did not succeed so others can learn and avoid the same mistakes. This willingness to collaborate builds what she and Edye describe as an “ethical ecosystem,” where compliance professionals collectively raise standards, foster mentorship, and support the broader research community. The conversation also touches on the unique advantages of the academic setting: The ability to crowdsource ideas across institutions. The openness to borrow and adapt policies while giving credit. The culture of mentorship, with senior professionals guiding others through publishing, policy development, and training design. The freedom for compliance professionals to share broadly without being bound by the “publish or perish” pressures faced by faculty researchers. Through real-world examples, Cortni illustrates how this cooperative approach not only strengthens institutional compliance but also creates aspirational programs that other universities look to model. The episode closes with the reminder that while every institution’s culture and resources differ, the regulatory floor is the same for all. How each university builds upon that foundation—through trust, openness, and collaboration—determines whether its program becomes one that others want to follow. Support the show www.kulkarnilawfirm.com
