Human Resources Policies

HR91 Conflict of Interest

Policy Status: 

Active

Subject Matter Expert: 

Dovizia Long, 814-867-0041, dul10@psu.edu

Policy Steward: 

Vice President for Human Resources

POLICY'S INITIAL DATE: June 23, 1983

THIS VERSION EFFECTIVE: June 26, 2023

Contents

PURPOSE:

To avoid the possibility of any misunderstandings concerning the appropriate conduct of faculty and staff members in regard to all transactions touching upon their University duties and the property of the University.

POLICY:

Faculty and staff members of the University shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions touching upon their duties to the University and its property. In their dealings with and on behalf of the University, they shall be held to a strict rule of honest and fair dealings between themselves and the University. They shall not use their positions, or knowledge gained there from, in such a way that a conflict of interest might arise between the interest of the University and that of the individual. Faculty and staff members shall disclose to the administrative head of the college or other unit in which they are employed, or other appropriate administrative officer, any potential conflict of interest of which they are aware before a contract or transaction is consummated.

University tangible assets, equipment, supplies and services may not be used by employees for personal gain, or for purposes outside the scope of their employment.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The first responsibility for adherence to this policy lies with the faculty or staff member(s) directly involved. If there is reason to believe that this policy is not being adhered to, the matter should be reported to the faculty or staff member's administrative head for investigation and resolution.If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, it should be referred to the next higher administrative level for resolution.

CROSS REFERENCES:

RP02 - Addressing Allegations of Research Misconduct 

FN14 - Use of University Non-Capital Property, Capital Property, Supplies, and University Services

RP06 - Disclosure and Management of Significant Financial Interests

AD88 - Code of Responsible Conduct 

 

Date Approved: 

June 26, 2023

Date Published: 

June 26, 2023

Effective Date: 

June 26, 2023