Conflicts of Interest Policy

Approved July 2009

Conflict of Interest

University employees are expected to perform their duties conscientiously, honestly, and in accordance with the best interests of the University.

University employees are public servants of the State of Louisiana, and as public servants, University employees are required to abide by the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics, which includes laws prohibiting conflicts of interest. Essentially, these statutes preclude public servants from participating in transactions of their employing State agency where the public servant has a personal substantial economic interest. The Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics, Louisiana Revised Statutes 42:1101-1170, may be found at www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp.

A conflict of interest may occur when public interests come in conflict with personal interests. A potential conflict of interest occurs when an employee is in a position to influence a decision that may result in personal gain for that employee or for a relative as a result of a University’s business dealing.

Personal gain may result not only in cases where an employee or relative has a significant ownership in a business with which the University does business directly, but also where an employee or relative receives a substantial gift or other special consideration in consideration for a business dealing or transaction involving the University.

The existence of an employee’s relationship with an outside business does not automatically create a conflict of interest. However, if an employee has any influence on a transaction involving a purchase, contract, lease, or other transaction, it is imperative that the employee disclose to their supervisor, as soon as possible, the existence of any actual or potential conflict of interest so that safeguards can be established to protect all parties.

Conflict of Commitment

A conflict of commitment occurs when an employee commits time and effort to an outside, non-University related endeavor that compromises or interferes with the employee’s efforts for the University. During University working hours, employees owe their full commitment of time and effort to University activities and responsibilities and must act in the institution’s best interests. Employees must avoid committing time and effort to endeavors that interfere with their commitment to the University.

Conflict of Interest for Externally Sponsored Projects

The university has obligations to protect a project from being compromised by conflicting financial interests and to protect the reputation and credibility of the university in order to ensure public trust and confidence in its sponsored projects. Please refer to the separate Policy on Conflicts of Interest Related to Externally Sponsored Projects for details.

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