Published: April 3, 2023

All faculty members, and anyone engaged in research at—or for—CU Boulder, are required to disclose external professional activities and significant financial and personal interests that could compromise, or appear to compromise, their judgment when performing their university responsibilities.

Disclosure is required whether or not the person believes an actual, potential or perceived conflict exists. 

Am I required to disclose? 

You are required to disclose if: 

  • You are a faculty member;
  • You have responsibility for the design, conduct or reporting of research; or
  • You have responsibility over the assessment of educational activities or materials; and
  • You are a university employee, student, consultant, collaborator, affiliate, volunteer or agent.

For additional information about who is required to disclose, please review details about the disclosure process here.

What are some examples of conflicts of interest and commitments?

Can include (but are not limited to): 

If you have any questions on whether a financial interest or an outside activity or commitment requires disclosure, please contact the Office of Conflicts of Interest and Commitment. 

When should I disclose? 

Disclosures should take place: 

  • Annually (during the primary disclosure period January 15-March 31)
  • Within 30 days of acquiring a new significant interest
  • Within 30 days of engaging in a new external professional activity
  • Within 30 days of a change in status of a previous disclosure

In addition to completing a disclosure of external professional activities (DEPA) form, do I need to worry about additional disclosures or compliance obligations? 

Certain outside commitments and financial interests do carry additional disclosure obligations. For example: 

  • If you are a tenured or tenure-track faculty member, or you are an employee with a faculty title, you must obtain approval from your dean before engaging in external professional activities; 
  • If you are university staff, you must obtain supervisor approval for outside work and service; 
  • If you are requesting or facilitating a purchase of goods or services from an entity related to a known or active conflict, you must ensure a Conflict of Interest Evaluation Form is attached to the request; and
  • If you develop new technology as part of your university activities, you must contact Venture Partners. 

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