150-10: Conflict of Interest

This policy concerns any conflict that may arise between an employee's assigned position or commitment with the University, and any other interest or obligation.

A. Designated Employees

The Political Reform Act, California Government Code Section 1000 et seq., requires the University to adopt and publish a conflict of interest code.

Pursuant to the statute, and to the University Conflict of Interest Code, certain employees are required to file statements of economic interests. The criterion for designating which employees must comply is that the employees make or participate in the making of decisions which may foreseeably have a material effect on the financial interests of the University in the course and scope of their employment.

Such designations are made by Legal Affairs, and designated employees are sent appropriate forms by that office.

B.The University has developed a Conflict of Interest Code that requires all University employees and officers, whether or not they are designated to file statements of economic interests, to disqualify themselves from participating in a University decision when a financial conflict of interest is present.

C. A number of specialized policies and guidelines have been issued in recognition of the need for guidance in this area. These policies and guidelines have been summarized and brought together in the UC Business and Finance Bulletins, Conflict of Interest Policy and Compendium of Specialized University Policies, Guidelines, and Regulations Related Conflict of Interest. Specific questions may also be directed to Legal Affairs.

Contact responsible office with any questions.

• UCSF Campus Code of Conduct
• Academic Personnel Manual, Office of the President:
  Privileges and Duties of Members of the Faculty (Section 005); Academic Freedom (Section 010); Faculty Conduct and Administration of Discipline (Section 015); Special Services to Individuals and Organizations (Section 020); Conflict of Commitment and Outside Activities of Faculty Members (Section 025); Disclosure of Financial Interest in Private Sponsors of Research (Section 028); Review and Appraisal Committees(Section 210); Employment of Near Relatives (Section 520); Additional Compensation/Services as Faculty Consultant(Section 664)
• Bylaws of The Regents of the University of California, Office of the President:
  Gifts, Contracts, and Grants (Section 8.2)
• Conflict of Interest Code, Office of the President
• Contract and Grant Manual, Office of the President:
  Guidelines on University-Industry Relations (1-340); Disclosure of Financial Interest in Private Sponsors of Research - Form 730-U and Other Conflict of Interest Policies (Section 2-650); Conflicts-of-Interest (Section 16-360)
• Personnel Policies for UC Staff Members, Office of the President:
  Conflict of Interest (82)
• Political Reform Act, California Government Code, Section 1000 et seq.
• Standing Orders of The Regents of the University of California, Office of the President:
  Special Provisions Concerning Officers, Faculty Members, and Employees of the University -- Service Obligations [Section 103.1(b)]
• UC Business and Finance Bulletins, Office of the President:
  Securing the Services of Independent Consultants (BUS-34); Materiel Management: (BUS-43); Conflict of Interest Policy and Compendium of Specialized University Policies, Guidelines, and Regulations Related Conflict of Interest (G-39)