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A conflict of interest can arise if an employee's professional judgment is, or may be, influenced by personal interests, and this influence could cause the interests of the University to be compromised, or could interfere with the employee's performance of duties on behalf of the University. As members of academic disciplines, professions, and other fields of work, our professional, business, and service activities extend beyond the University.
The Policies on Conflicts of Commitment (http://www.regulations.utah.edu/humanResources/5-204.html) and Conflict of Interest (http://www.regulations.utah.edu/general/1-006.html) eestablish guidelines for permissible outside activities and provide for disclosure and regulation as circumstances warrant.
Free Dinners
Q: Are University employees prohibited from accepting free dinners?
A: The Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act, referenced below, prohibits University employees from accepting "gifts" that could improperly influence the performance of the University employee's duties. Occasional non-monetary gifts, which could include a dinner, with a value of no more than $50 are allowed under many circumstances. For more information on this issue, contact your supervisor or the Conflicts of Interest Officer. .
University faculty and staff must report their connection with any activity or event that may give rise to a conflict of interest to their immediate supervisor. Activities that fall under the policies on conflicts of commitment and interest must also be approved by the unit executive officer. Formal disclosure is required for research activities funded by granting agencies. Activities that present an actual conflict of interest must be approved by the Conflicts of Interest Committee.
Conflict of Interest
The University recognizes that many potential conflicts of interest do not constitute actual conflicts or may be acceptable with proper oversight and safeguards. The complexity and diversity of professional relationships has grown increasingly intertwined with outside entities in research and other University activities. Increased research support from private entities, changes in federal law and regulations encouraging technology transfer and the need for the University and its employees to demonstrate public accountability mandate new approaches in the discovery and management of potential conflict of interest situations. This may require reevaluation of previously acceptable activities. The most effective way to address conflict of interest is to establish a process by which employees disclose and obtain evaluation of potential conflict on a case by case basis. (
http://www.regulations.utah.edu/general/1-006.html)
Utah Public Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act (Utah Code Ann. § 67-16-1 et seq. prohibits Univesrity of Utah employees from soliciting or accepting a gift that is intended to, or could, improperly influence a public employee in the performance of his/her public duties. Occasional non-monetary gifts with a value of not more than $50 are generally excluded from the Act. Employees who violate the Act are subject to termination and criminal penalties. Contact your supervisor or the University Conflicts of Interest Officer for more information on this subject.