Conflicts of Interest/Commitment

Purpose:

Staff members throughout the University have important fiduciary responsibilities in the work they perform. In support of these significant obligations, it is essential that staff perform their duties in a manner that will ensure no conflict, nor any appearance of conflict, between their personal interests and those of Willamette University. To that end, the University subscribes to the broad principles outlined in the following policy statements.

Policy:

1. Conflict of Interest - A conflict of interest exists when individual commitment to the University may be compromised by personal benefit. Staff are expected to avoid situations or activities that could interfere with their unencumbered exercise of judgment in the best interests of Willamette University.
   In addition, it is considered inappropriate for staff to make use of University property or other resources, including time, to advance personal interests or activities during the course of their employment at Willamette.
2. Conflict of Commitment - This policy statement is not intended to limit reasonable participation in professional and community activities which benefit and reflect positively on the University, by mutual agreement of the staff member and his or her supervisor. Paid outside activities which primarily advantage or benefit the staff member are to be performed on the staff member's personal time. In some circumstances, accrued vacation time may be used to cover such absences.
   Paid personal consulting activities or other outside pursuits are not to occur on University time, nor is it permissible to use, in the course of outside consulting, University resources including, but not limited to, office equipment, supplies or support staff. Such activities must not divert staff attention from their University duties or consume so much time or creative energy that they interfere, or appear to interfere, with staff responsibilities to the University.

Effective Date:
Responsible Person/Primary Contact: AVP for Human Resources
Responsible University Office: Human Resources