Glossary Term
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Glossary Term:
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Definition
When an academic staff member is in a position to influence either directly or indirectly university business, research, or other decisions in ways that could lead to gain for the staff member, his or her immediate family, or any third party to the detriment of the university's integrity and its missions of teaching, research, economic development, and public service. Conflicts of interest also arise when an academic staff member desires to acquire a contract (outside of employment) to provide goods or services to the university.