The University's personnel and resources must be used for the promotion of the mission of the University and the public interest. UWF employees, including student-employees, must adhere to the applicable ethical obligations set forth in Chapter 112, Part III, Florida Statutes. The University has promulgated its Policy HR-15-2004-07, Employee Code of Ethics, dealing with outside activities and financial interests. UWF in-unit faculty are also governed by the UWF Board of Trustees/United Faculty of Florida Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA"), Article 21, "Conflict of Interest/Outside Activity."

Forms for reporting outside activity, requesting determination of conflict of interest, and use of university resources are linked. There is to be one set of forms submitted for each report of outside activity/conflict of interest. Please make copies, as necessary, if you need to report more than one outside activity.

When filing these forms, please submit a copy with original signature to your department chairperson or unit supervisor. Once the request has been reviewed and signed by all appropriate parties, copies will be distributed.

Below is a set of questions intended to be used as a guideline in helping individuals assess whether involvement in a particular activity constitutes a conflict of interest.

Guidelines for review of Faculty Outside Activities
with respect to questions of Conflict of Interest

Conflict of Interest

A "conflict of interest" occurs in any situation in which a person serves or represents two distinct entities or must choose between two conflicting interests. For purposes of this policy, a "conflict of interest" encompasses situations in which a person has the potential to neglect or breach a duty to one entity to the benefit of another and situations in which a person has the potential to use his or her position with one entity to advance personal gain or the gain of another entity.

Outside Activity

Covered individuals should recognize that certain outside activities, whether compensated or uncompensated, and financial interests may provide a basis for a conflict of interest. These activities and interests must be reported and approved prior to engaging in the activity or acquiring the interest. Outside activities include consulting, employment, management, holding office in a decision-making body, or other contractual relationships. Examples of outside activities and financial interests can be found in the full policy, linked above.

In reaching decisions on whether an outside activity constitutes a conflict of interest, reviewers should consider the following questions:

1. Does the proposed outside activity interfere with the faculty member's assigned duties? In particular, does the proposed activity conflict with
   1. scheduled teaching assignment?
   2. scheduled and published office hours?
   3. academic advising assignment?
   4. creative and/or research activity assignments?
   5. university service commitments?
   6. administrative assignments?
2. Does the proposed outside activity cause a significant unresolvable interruption in the routines of other University employees with whom the faculty member works?
3. If University facilities and/or equipment are proposed to be used,
1. does such use prevent the facilities and/or equipment being used by other employees engaged in official University business?
2. does such use reflect credibly on the reputation of the University?
3. what arrangements have been made for compensating the University for use of facilities and/or equipment?
4. If employment or association with another institution of higher education is being proposed, does such an association reflect favorably on both institutions?
5. If self-employment or employment or association with any other agency or business is being proposed,
1. does the activity compete with activities and services normally associated with the University?
2. is the employment or association with an entity that does business with the University?
3. does such employment or association reflect favorably on all parties concerned?