University Policy Office
CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR COMMITMENT GUIDELINES
Approval: Approved by the President on November 4, 2004.
Authority: Board of Governors Policy 2.1.050
Responsibility: All University Employees
PROCEDURE
I. Reporting
When a report is received by any supervisor, director, department chair, dean or vice president that a possible, potential or apparent violation of the "Conflict of Interest or Commitment Policy for Employees" may or has occurred and can not be resolved through the appropriate administrator, a statement shall be made detailing the possible violation, in writing, signed, dated, and submitted to the Office of the General Counsel after the alleged conduct has taken place.
II. Fact Finding
If general counsel, after consultation with the appropriate senior administrator(s), determines that a possible violation of the policy has occurred, the general counsel will appoint a disinterested party/committee to investigate the facts of the statement and will notify the subject of the investigation, within 10 days, unless notification would limit the effectiveness of the investigation. The disinterested party/committee will present a copy of those relevant facts found to the general counsel who will notify the appropriate senior administrator(s) as to whether a violation has occurred.
III. Enforcement
If it is determined by the general counsel that a violation of the policy has taken place, a written finding will be presented to the appropriate senior administrator(s) for appropriate action. Action will be based on the extent of the violation and the position held by the employee. Action will be consistent with the Faculty Guide, Academic Procedures and Regulations and the Human Resourses Manual guidelines.
IV. Appeal Process
Appeals will be provided per applicable existing avenues for grievance or appeal. Allegations against the president will be reported to the Board of Governors. The president’s decision, or the board’s decision in a case of allegations against the president, will be final.
V. DeterminationDescriptions of circumstances that violate the "Conflict of Interest or Commitment Policy for Employees" will be posted on the university Policy Office website as well as situations that do not violate the policy. These interpretive summaries will be used to inform determinations and can be relied upon to govern behavior.
