Research@UIC > Conflict of Commitment and Interest > Policies & Regulations > Overview

Overview

• Each academic staff member must obtain prior written approval to engage in non-University income-generating activities, and must also disclose such activities annually, whenever a substantial change in such activities occurs, or when required by granting agencies.
• A conflict of commitment arises when the external activities of an academic staff member are so demanding of time or attention that they interfere with the individual's responsibilities to the University.
• A conflict of interest occurs when the academic staff member is in a position to advance one's own interests or that of one's family or others, to the University's detriment.
• The involvement of University students or employees in the external activities of the academic staff member must be disclosed and may require monitoring.
• The unit executive officer will work with the academic staff member to identify and evaluate potential conflicts and to manage or eliminate them.
• Reports of potential conflicts and remedies are reviewed on each campus by the Vice Chancellor for Research, who is advised by a Conflict Review Committee of three or more academic staff members.
• If remedies mutually satisfactory to the academic staff member and the University are not reached, the University may impose a sanction, subject to appeal.
• Sanctions for violating this Policy depend on the severity of the violation and range from reprimand to dismissal.
• An academic staff member may appeal a denial of approval for an external activity or a sanction.
• Final responsibility for this Policy rests with the President or the President's designee.
• Diligent efforts shall be made to maintain confidentiality of reports, remedies, and sanctions.

Last updated: Tuesday, November 07, 2006.