8-3 Conflict of Interest

The University desires to avoid situations where there is an actual or potential conflict of interest or the appearance of such conflict. A conflict of interest typically occurs when outside employment or consulting arrangements put in question the impartiality, judgment, effectiveness, or productivity of a faculty member in the course of performing his or her duties or responsibilities. Faculty members may not engage in direct competition with United States University either personally or through a firm where they have a substantial interest.
Faculty members must not use their University position for private gain for themselves or persons with personal, business, or financial ties. Faculty members must avoid any activity that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect or give the appearance of adversely affecting their judgment's independence and objectivity or interfere with the timely and effective performance of their duties and responsibilities or discredit the University.
Participation in situations that create the appearance of, or are an actual conflict of interest, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.