Ohio University

Conflict of Interest Frequently Asked Questions 

 Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is a "faculty member or employee" for the purpose of a conflict of interest disclosure?

Any person possessing either a full-time or part-time appointment at the university receiving wages or benefits from Ohio University who is responsible for designing, conducting and reporting the results of research, educational, or public service activities. This includes any individuals who have independent responsibility for the accomplishment of project objectives. The policy also includes those individuals, whether salaried or not salaried, who, on behalf of Ohio University, are responsible for writing, submitting, and management of grants. For purposes of this policy, conflicts include those of the faculty member and his or her immediate family.

What is a "significant financial interest"?

Anything of monetary value, including but not limited to; salary or other payments for services (e.g., consulting fees or honoraria); equity interests (e.g., stocks, stock options or other ownership interests that exceed $10,000 or represent a more than five (5) percent ownership interest); and intellectual property rights (e.g., patents, copyrights, and royalties from such rights).

I have been asked to give a paid presentation at and participate in a review of a non-profit research Institution. Do I need to report the income I receive from these activities?

The definition of Significant Financial Interests does not include income from seminars, lectures, or teaching engagements sponsored by public or nonprofit entities and income from service on advisory committees or review panels for public or nonprofit entities.  

Is income from royalties included in this regulation?

If the royalties relate to patents owned by the university and licensed or potentially licensed through the university technology transfer office (i.e. they are not personally owned by the Investigator), they are considered remuneration from the applicant Institution and would not be considered a Significant Financial Interest of the Investigator.  Income from royalties from other sources could be considered a Significant Financial Interest if the income fits the definition of a Significant Financial Interest.

What does the faculty handbook say about outside work?

In no case shall outside employment interfere with specified regular University duties and the effective service of the faculty member.  In the event that a question arises about the conflict of outside work with effective service to the University, consultation with the faculty member shall be held by his/her department chair person and the academic dean. Decision by the dean, subject to review by the Provost and by the President, shall be final on this point. 

What does the faculty handbook say about consulting?

If a faculty or staff member serving as a consultant to an outside agency or company requires the use of University facilities and/or equipment for purposes of the consultantship, such usage shall be only on an occasional and brief basis, and only with permission of the department chair person or campus dean. Such permission shall include agreement upon any appropriate provisions for liability and/or fees. Should more extensive or frequent usage be needed, the development of a grant or contract between the agency/company and the University would be appropriate.
What does the faculty handbook say about use of students related to external consulting?
A student engaged in a project related to or part of a consultant's work should be paid by the consultant of the agency/company at a rate appropriate to the task and equivalent to the rate normally paid students for University-sponsored work.

What OU policy governs conflict of interest disclosures?

Ohio University policy 19.058, Conflict of Interest in Research, Educational, and Public Service Activities governs disclosures.  Click here to access policy 19.058.