4.16 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The University strives to conduct its activities in ways that promote and maintain public trust, and project its values of integrity, transparency, and scholarship.  A potential Conflict of Interest (COI) exists whenever personal, professional, commercial, or financial interests or activities outside of the University have the possibility (either in actuality or in appearance) of (1) compromising an employee’s judgment in a way that may not be in the best interest of the University, (2) influencing an employee’s decision or behavior with respect to teaching and student affairs, appointments and promotions, uses of University resources, interactions with human subjects, or other matters of interest to the University; or (3) resulting in a personal or family member’s gain or advancement at the expense of the University.

Applicable employees are required to recognize and disclose conflicts of interests or the perception of conflicts on an annual basis, and to ensure that such conflicts are properly managed, such that the employee’s institutional responsibilities are free from bias and inappropriate influence. The COI disclosure forms are reviewed by the employee’s supervisor.

For additional details on the University’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure reporting and review requirements, refer to the Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment policy, or visit the University’s COI web page.