Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of Interest
As a basic condition of employment, all UMass Chan staff have a duty to act in the University's best interest in connection with matters arising from or related to their employment and other University activities. As such, activities, situations, and relationships that might create the perception/appearance of, or potential for a Conflict of Interest must be identified, promptly disclosed and managed appropriately. UMass Chan believes that clear guidelines and principles for reporting and managing actual, potential, and perceived Conflicts of Interest will assist our Faculty, Staff, and Students in maintaining the highest level of integrity in their endeavors.
A conflict of interest is a financial or other personal consideration that may compromise or have an appearance of compromising an employee's professional judgment in administration, management, teaching, research or other professional activities. It is important to recognize an actual or potential conflict of interest and disclose it to the appropriate person or entity. The disclosure of a conflict of interest is not a statement of wrongdoing, but a mechanism to analyze how best to manage the conflict, and the Office of Management is available to help.
Questions about Conflict of Interest? Email coi@umassmed.edu or call 508-856-6960.
Massachusetts State Ethics Commission
As state employees each of us is subject to the State's Conflict of Interest Laws, Mass. General Laws, Chapters 268A and 268B. The content, restrictions and requirements of these two statutes are "individual" (employee) responsibilities. The Massachusetts State Ethics Commission is available to answer questions from state employees about how the conflict of interest law applies in a particular situation. The advice is confidential in most circumstances. The Commission strongly recommends that you inquire prior to engaging in the activity about which you have a question. The Ethics Commission will only entertain questions from the individual to whom the question applies. You may request advice by calling the "Attorney-Of-The-Day," or online, or in writing by U.S. Mail. Request advice from the State Ethics Commission. In certain situations, the potential conflict may be remedied by full disclosure to, and written approval of the specific activity from your appointing authority.
Contact us:
Contact us at any time by email coi@umassmed.edu or call 508-856-6960