Dear Faculty Relations – Why does it matter that the faculty in my unit complete the DEPA form?  What can I say to sway them of its importance? - Compliance Weary 

Dear Compliance Weary – Completing the annual Disclosure of External Professional Activities (DEPA) form isn’t simply a matter of compliance. It’s an essential part of a faculty member’s research responsibilities, adherence to our academic honor code, and duties as an employee of CU Boulder. So why do faculty have to submit their DEPA? Feel free to share these reasons with colleagues in your unit:  

  • You demonstrate your commitment to research integrity: Our reputation for research excellence rests on the confidence that research is done without bias due to personal financial interest in the outcome (among other reasons). Disclosing those interests creates transparency and helps us manage potential conflicts before they become a problem. 

  • You contribute to maintaining public trust: Disclosure of financial and other interests helps address concerns that professional decisions and actions be made without the undue influence of personal benefit.  

  • Your colleagues already have: Our goal is to receive DEPA submissions from every researcher. You have a role in helping our unit reach its target of 100%. 

  • Your action helps us meet the requirements of federal grant sponsors: CU Boulder is obligated to have a robust conflict of interest policy, the centerpiece of which is the annual disclosure of researchers’ affiliations with outside entities.  

  • Your research may be affected: Failure to submit a DEPA can prevent or delay grant application submissions and the release of grant funds. It may also prevent or delay the approval of human subject and animal research projects. 

The Office of Conflicts of Interest and Commitment provides guidance on what and how to disclose on our website. For answers to your DEPA questions, e-mail us at coi@colorado.edu. 

Written by: Paul S. Myers Ph.D., Director, Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, University of Colorado Boulder, April 2022