Faculty and staff of the State University of New York (University) are encouraged to foster an atmosphere of academic freedom by promoting the open and timely exchange of scholarly knowledge independent of personal interests and are required to avoid conflicts of interest. Where potential or actual conflicts exist, faculty and staff are expected to consult with appropriate University officers and abide by University policy. This policy represents a restatement of existing University policy and pertinent state and federal law and regulations.

Faculty and staff of the State University of New York (University) are encouraged to foster an atmosphere of academic freedom by promoting the open and timely exchange of scholarly knowledge independent of personal interests. In keeping with this obligation, they are also required to avoid conflicts of interest.

In instances where potential or actual conflicts exist, faculty and staff are expected to consult with appropriate University officers and abide by this University policy. It is the responsibility of campus officials charged with implementing this policy to identity potential or actual conflicts of interest and take appropriate steps to manage, reduce, or eliminate them.

This policy represents a restatement of existing University policy and pertinent state and federal law and regulations.

1.    University faculty and staff may not engage in other employment which interferes with the performance of their professional obligation.

2.    University faculty and staff are expected to comply with the New York State Public Officers Law provisions on conflict of interest and ethical conduct.

3.    University faculty and staff, to the extent required by law or regulation, shall disclose at minimum whether they (and their spouses and dependent children) have employment or financial interests or hold significant offices, in external organizations that may affect, or appear to affect, the discharge of professional obligations to the University.

4.    University campuses shall ensure that all faculty and staff subject to pertinent laws and regulations disclose financial interests in accordance with procedures to be established by the Chancellor or designee. Campuses shall retain the reported information as required, identify actual or apparent conflicts of interest and seek resolution of such conflicts.

5.    Each campus president shall submit to the chancellor’s designee the name and title of the person or persons designated as financial disclosure designee(s) and shall further notify the chancellor’s designee when a change in that assignment occurs. The chancellor’s designee shall also be notified of any reports regarding conflict of interest that are forwarded to state or federal agencies.

Conflict of interest — any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect; participation in any business, transaction or professional activity; or incurring of any obligation of any nature, which is or appears to be in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of an employee's duties in the 'public interest. A conflict of interest is also any financial interest that will, or may be reasonably expected to, bias the design, conduct or reporting of sponsored research.

Outside Activities of University Policy Makers

Ethics in State Government - A Guide for New York State Employees

National Science Foundation, Grant Policy Manual

There are no procedures relevant to this policy.

There are no forms relevant to this policy.

42 CFR 50, Subpart F

 

The following link to FindLaw's New York State Laws is provided for users' convenience; it is not the official site for the State of New York laws. 

 

NYS Public Officers Law, Section 73-a, and 73 and 74

In case of questions, readers are advised to refer to the New York State Legislature site for the menu of New York State Consolidated.

Board of Trustees Policies - Appointment of Employees (8 NYCRR Part 335)

State University of New York Board of Trustees Resolution adopted June 27, 1995

Memorandum to presidents from the office of the University provost, dated June 30, 1995 regarding revision to University conflict of interest policy to bring it in conformity with federal guidelines issued by the National Science Foundation and the Public Health Service.

There are no appendices relevant to this policy.