The UA Code of Ethical Conduct requires employees to be aware of the potential for Conflicts of Interest (COI) and/or Conflicts of Commitment (COC) and to exercise initiative to identify, review, and manage those conflicts appropriately. All members of the University community are expected to comply with the Institutional Conflict of Interest/Conflict of Commitment Policy, as well as any other applicable policies or procedures adopted by UA.
Faculty and staff efforts to balance University responsibilities with external activities — such as consulting, public service, or pro bono work — can result in real or perceived conflicts regarding allocation of time and priorities. Additionally, personal relationships are valued and encouraged, but they can appear to influence decision-making in some circumstances. University employees must proactively disclose, acknowledge, and address, as necessary, activities or relationships which may create or appear to create a conflict of interest or commitment. The failure to disclose situations that have the potential for or involve actual conflicts of interest or commitment may be unethical and/or illegal.
The primary goals of this program are to (a) provide assistance to the University committee in properly disclosing and managing real or perceived conflicts of interest or conflicts of commitment; (b) prevent an employee’s personal interest and activities from adversely influencing UA operations; (c) provide a framework for recognizing and managing employee conflicts; (d) provide education and guidance to help minimize even the appearance of conflicts; and (e) standardize university-wide procedures for the disclosure, review, management, and approval of actual or possible conflicts.
Institutional Conflict of Interest/Conflict of Commitment Policy