Principles and Responsibilities

Generally Applicable Principles and Responsibilities

Disclosure, review, and management are key elements of Conflicts. As described herein, few activities that represent, or appear to represent, a Conflict are actually prohibited. Rather, Conflicts need to be disclosed, reviewed, and managed appropriately. Disclosure may take the form of reporting a Conflict in advance of beginning an activity, at the time a Conflict arises, as required by projects having Sponsored Funding, or through an annual report of outside interests and activities. If a Conflict is identified, a remedy such as a documented management plan may be required so that Conflicts do not interfere with the integrity of the performance of an individual’s Institutional Responsibilities.

Requirement to Disclose

All university personnel must disclose Conflicts, including during non-contract periods. When Sponsored Funding or technology transfer is involved in particular, University personnel must allow for a significant amount of lead-time because additional disclosures may be required. All disclosures must be made within thirty (30) days of becoming known to the individual completing a disclosure.

Requirement to Abide by Plans to Resolve Conflicts

When a determination has been made that a real, potential, or apparent Conflict exists, the appropriately designated University official or body will determine whether further management, reduction, or elimination of the Conflict is required. If required, that official or body will develop a management plan in consultation with the individual, and the individual must abide by the terms of the management plan.

Prohibition Against Using Position or Influence for Personal Gain or Advancement

It is not acceptable for university personnel to use their official position or influence to further their personal gain or advancement, or that of a Family Member or other personal associates, at the expense of the University.

Use of University Resources

Except as specially authorized by an appropriate University official, university personnel may make only incidental use of University resources for purposes unrelated to the education, research, scholarship, and public service missions of the University. Such resources include but are not limited to facilities, personnel, students, information technology, equipment, and information which is not in the public domain. The University recognizes that sometimes university personnel may incidentally use University facilities, equipment, or services for personal use and does not seek to discipline individuals for incidental use. Incidental use must not adversely affect the performance of an individual’s Institutional Responsibilities or the University’s operations, and must be limited in duration and frequency.

Use of University Names or Marks

University personnel must have proper prior authorization to use the University’s name, marks, logos, official stationery, or any University building name, department name, or any University location or address, when participating in personal, professional, commercial, or financial interests or activities that are outside of the Institutional Responsibilities of the individual. An individual may identify a factual association with the University, but must take care that the name of the University is not used in any way that implies endorsement or approval by the University.