Conflicts of Interest & Commitment
The University of Colorado at Boulder encourages scholarship and research that lead to commercial and consulting activities. Such activities, however, have the potential to lead to conflicts of interest, which may have adverse effects for students, employees, and the university.
Why do conflicts of interest or commitment matter?
It is part of the University’s mission to protect the integrity of instruction and scholarly and research endeavors. Disclosure and management of potential conflicts of interest and commitment is also required by federal and state laws and regulations.
What is considered a conflict of interest or commitment?
A conflict of interest exists when an employee’s financial or personal considerations may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, an employee’s personal judgment in administration, management, instruction, research, and other professional and academic activities.
A conflict of commitment exists when professional service or research contracted outside the University interferes with the employee’s paramount obligations to students, colleagues, and the primary missions of the University.
How does CU-Boulder identify conflicts of interest or commitment?
The University requires faculty to submit an annual on-line Disclosure of External Professional Activities (DEPA).
Who is required to submit the DEPA?
The following CU-Boulder employees are required to submit an annual Disclosure of External Professional Activities (DEPA):
- Tenure track faculty (assistant, associate, full professor)
- Instructors (assistant, instructor, senior)
- Lecturers
- Adjunct faculty (assistant, associate, full professor)
- Research professors (assistant, associate, full)
- Research faculty (professional research assistant, senior professional research assistant, research associate, or senior research associate)
- Museum associates
- Librarians
How?
Learn how to access the online DEPA Form by clicking here.
When does the DEPA need to be submitted?
Between January 1 and March 31, as well as any time throughout the year if your circumstances change.
How often should the DEPA be submitted?
The DEPA form must be completed annually.
How involved is the DEPA process?
For 97% of employees, it is a simple three-question process that will take less than five minutes.
What happens if a conflict of interest or commitment is identified?
The Compliance Director for Conflicts of Interest and Commitment will work with the faculty member and his/her chair to develop a plan to manage the conflict. Once the management plan has been agreed upon, the faculty member, the chair and the dean will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that embodies the management plan.
Are there ramifications of failure to comply?
Failure to submit a DEPA, or other violations of the Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy and Procedures, can lead to disciplinary action as described in the Policy and Procedures.
Questions?
Questions about the Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy or about the DEPA should be directed to the Compliance Director for Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, Jean Wylie at 303-492-3024 or Jean.Wylie@colorado.edu.