Ohio State University Extension

Conflict of Interest Policy Statement

Definition:

For purposes of this policy, University guidelines state: a conflict of interest exists if financial interests or other opportunities for tangible personal benefit may exert a substantial and improper influence upon a faculty, staff member or administrator’s professional judgment in exercising any university duty or responsibility, including designing, conducting or reporting research.

1. Serving as a voluntary (paid) expert witness in a civil or criminal case. This is different from serving as a fact witness as a result of a subpoena.
2. Holding an elected partisan government position.
3. Any activity (paid or unpaid) that creates the perception Extension endorses the products or services of any organization or business.
4. Use of one’s professional expertise to provide services that compete with services provided by a unit in the university such as teaching or developing curriculum for another university.
5. Accepting personal compensation for any educational or professional service and concurrently charging Extension for your time, mileage or other expenses.

The examples are not exhaustive, and are provided as illustrations.

Conflict of interest issues must be addressed by the supervisor and appropriate administrators.

Approved, Administrative Cabinet 10/1/2001