Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1994 [PAGE 507]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1996]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

495

2. A "conflict of interest" arises when an academic staff member is in a position to influence either directly or indirectly University business, research, or other decisions in ways that could lead to gain for the academic staff member, the staff member's family, or others to the detriment of the University's integrity and its missions of teaching, research, and public service. 3. "Family," for the purposes of this Policy, includes one's spouse and children. 4. T h e "unit executive officer" means the department head/chair, or equivalent officer of other units, in whom primary authority resides. For conflicts involving a unit executive officer, the term refers to the administrator at the next higher level in the normal reporting lines. C. General Principles Conflicts of commitment and interest occur because of the type and scope of activities engaged in by the University and its academic staff members. T h e mere existence of a conflict, real or potential, will not necessarily exclude a particular activity since conflicts can span a wide spectrum, from those that are minor and inconsequential to those that have serious consequences and cannot be permitted. T h e University and its academic staff members have ethical and legal obligations to conduct themselves and their University activities in accordance with the highest standards of integrity. Although teaching and research are primary functions of the University, public service is an inherent responsibility. Employee contributions to h i s / her profession and to the citizens and economic development of the State of Illinois are not solely represented by functions and activities performed on behalf of University programs. Active participation by academic staff members in outside activities that enhance the professional skills of staff members, or constitute a public service activity are encouraged. For example, donation of professional services to outside organizations and participation in professional societies, for reasonable periods of time without substantial allocation of University resources, are promoted. However, the University expects academic staff members to accord a full professional commitment to the University during the terms of appointment by meeting University obligations first and foremost. For reporting and review purposes, conflicts of commitment only occur during the contract period; 1 conflicts of interest can occur beyond the contract period. 1. Conflict of Commitment Principles Interaction between academic staff members and external entities for reasonable periods of time and for personal remuneration is desirable and encouraged when the relationship enhances the professional skills of staff members, or constitutes a public service activity and is a benefit to the University. T h e time allowable will vary among individuals, from discipline to discipline, from one type of proposed activity to another, and will be affected by specific departmental needs to meet teaching, research, service, and governance functions. As a practical guide and subject to prior approval, the University may approve the equivalent of up to one day per week for full-time faculty (40 days per academic year appointment and 52 days per calendar year appointment). Such released

1 For example, in the case of a contract that requires service over 9 months but is paid over 12 months, conflict of commitment is relevant only during the 9-month service period.