Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy
Icon Policy Scope
This policy applies to: all full-time and part-time professional staff, faculty members, as well as those involved in research.
Applicable employees are required to complete an annual disclosure form or attest that there have been no changes since their last submission. If a potential or actual conflict of interest arises outside the annual disclosure cycle, employees must complete a new disclosure form to disclose the potential or actual conflict within ten (10) business days of its identification.
Review the Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy
The College encourages faculty and staff to engage in outside professional activities that align with our mission and their personal growth. At the same time, we are committed to preventing personal, financial and professional conflicts of interest from interfering with the College’s ability to contribute to societal advancement. By providing clear guidelines for identifying, avoiding and disclosing potential or actual conflicts, this policy ensures that all decisions and actions taken by employees are in the best interests of the College.
This policy safeguards against situations where personal or professional interests could compromise or appear to compromise an individual's professional judgment. It promotes transparency, accountability and trust within the College community, ensuring that the College's operations, research and educational missions are conducted with the utmost integrity and confidence.
A conflict of commitment, as described in this policy, arises when an employee's outside activities or personal interests interfere with their ability to fulfill their responsibilities to the College. This includes any situation where the time and effort devoted to external engagements detract from the employee's capacity to meet their College duties and obligations. For instance, if an employee's involvement in outside consulting work, professional ventures or personal projects reduces their availability, focus or performance in their College role, it constitutes a conflict of commitment.
Icon Disclosure Requirements
Upon implementation of this policy, all applicable employees must complete an annual COI disclosure form within the Cayuse Platform. New employees are required to complete an annual COI disclosure form upon hiring. Annually, all employees must either affirm that there have been no changes since their last report or file a new disclosure form. Additionally, employees must disclose any identified potential or actual conflict of interest or conflict of commitment within ten (10) business days of its identification.