How can Conflicts of Interest be avoided?

To avoid Conflicts of Interest:

• Disclose your duties in the best interests of the university and in such a manner that professional judgment in administration, management, instruction, research, and other professional activities are not affected by any outside financial and/or personal interests;
• Recognize your University appointment as your primary position; and
• Conduct your affairs so as not to derive private gain from your association with the university, except as provided by policy, including but not limited to:
  • Not assisting any person and/or organization for any fee or other compensation in obtaining any contract, license, or other economic benefit from the university,
  • Not receiving material compensation from others for performance of university duties, and
  • Not using university property and/or resources for personal gain except as authorized by university policy.

Should you encounter any potential activity(s) for which expectations and responsibilities are unclear or that involve foreign affiliations, contact the COI office (ndsu.coic@ndsu.edu) and/or your supervisor to discuss how to address the issue.

Note: Some conflicts cannot be avoided, but can be mitigated via a Management Plan that will be individually developed based on the disclosure.

What if I am unsure whether a particular situation amounts to an actual or perceived Conflict of Interest or Commitment?

The individual does not determine whether a conflict exists.

Your responsibilities include:

• Reporting Significant Financial Interests and relationships completely, accurately, and on time via Novelution in your Annual COI Disclosure.

The COI Committee’s responsibilities include:

• Evaluating disclosures of Significant (Financial) Interests

• Determining whether any Conflicts of Interest exist

• Supporting the development of Management Plans, when needed, for Significant Interests and/or Conflicts of Interest

Management Plans must be signed/approved by:

• The individual employee

• The department Chair/Head

• The applicable Dean or Vice President

• The COI Committee Chair