Policies & Procedures

GA2004 Conflict of Interest Policy

Policy Information

Statement of the Policy

All campus members are expected to observe standards of ethical conduct in order to fulfill the mission of SUNY Broome Community College and avoid any and all circumstances which could reasonably be interpreted as a conflict of interest. Such circumstances are those which would interfere with the unbiased and objective performance of one’s professional duties. Officers and employees are required to comply with the county code of ethics and Article 18 of the General Municipal Law.

Purpose

In keeping with our position of public trust, it is essential that all members of the College community avoid any and all circumstances which could reasonably be interpreted as conflict of interest. Members of the College community include employees, student employees, Officers of the College, and Board of Trustees members. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the rules of ethical conduct, the procedures by which conflicts of interest are disclosed, and to raise awareness surrounding situations that may give rise to conflicts.

Related Policies

• Amorous Relationships Policy PA3010, Ref. Procedure PA3010.1
• Nepotism Policy PA3011
• Academic Honesty Policy AA4001, Ref. Procedure AA4001.1

Scope

Any employee or Trustee of the College having an actual or potential conflict shall be responsible for announcing that conflict to their direct supervisor in order that appropriate action may occur. Further, all employees and Trustees of the College shall accept responsibility for investigating and conscientiously dealing with actual or potential conflicts of interest of which they have knowledge.

Definitions

Conflict of interest: any opportunity in which one’s own interests or the interests of those with whom one has a relationship may be advanced, in any way, which may be potentially harmful to the interest of and in upholding the mission of the College.

A conflict of interest exists when the duty or responsibility to the College may appear to be or is compromised by other rights, commitments, obligations, interests, or relationships. A conflict of interest exists when a person’s independent judgment is or might appear to be impaired by a personal, financial, or other interest, or a familial, professional or personal relationship.

Relationship: familial, personal, or external business interests.

Undisclosed conflict of interest: a known real or potential conflict of interest which has not been disclosed to the appropriate person. These include monetary, personal, or material benefits, and relationships which may include familial, romantic, personal associations, or business interests.

Examples of Conflicts of Interest

(This list is not comprehensive and does not exhaust all potential conflicts of interest which may arise.)

• Participating in the hiring, promotion, evaluation of, or termination of a person with which there exists a personal or business relationship.
• Romantic involvement with a person with whom one has a reporting or supervisory relationship.
• Inappropriate use of College funds, assets, resources, or personnel.
• Accepting, soliciting, or offering of bribes, kick-backs, cash, or non-cash gifts.
• Any activity in which a third party outside of the College benefits at the expense of the College.
• Influencing decisions or votes on College purchases or contracts that result in personal gain.
• Inappropriate use of information for personal or professional gain.
• Financial, economic, or other interests that impair professional responsibilities.
• Engaging in other employment which interferes with College duties.
• Any activity which may result in personal gain or advancement at the expense of the College.

Action