Definitions
Click on the following terms to learn more.
A situation where an individual has financial, professional, or personal considerations that may affect, or have the appearance of affecting, their professional judgment in conducting University responsibilities. A conflict of interest may arise when an individual has the opportunity or appears to have the opportunity to influence the University’s business, administrative, academic, research, or other decisions in ways that could lead to financial, professional, or personal gain or advantage of any kind. See: BTRU 1.18: Conflicts of Interest and Commitment
A situation where an individual engages in external activities, either paid or unpaid, that interfere with their primary obligation and commitment to the university. See: BTRU 1.18: Conflicts of Interest and Commitment
Secondary jobs held by state employees outside of state government. Full-time university employees are not permitted to engage in outside employment which will result in a conflict of interest or conflict of commitment. See: HR 1.30: Outside Employment
Activities, compensated or uncompensated, that are within a faculty member’s area of professional expertise and communicate that expertise through interaction with industry, government, the community, or the public. Outside professional activities must not interfere with a faculty member’s obligations to the University. When potential conflicts exist, faculty may be asked to adjust their activities and/or develop a conflict management plan. See: ACAF 1.50: Outside Professional Activities for Faculty
Disclosure Process
University employees have a duty to immediately disclose and manage/eliminate any real or apparent conflicts of interest. Faculty and staff who are required to complete annual disclosures will be notified in January with instructions on how to complete the annual disclosure process.
This short Training Video provides an overview of the annual disclosure process and provides examples of conflicts of interest and commitment.
Resources and Support
- Faculty Disclosure and Review Process
- Research COI Resources
- Disclosure Procedures for Sponsored Projects
- Research Disclosures FAQ
- SBIR/STTR COI Guidance
- Disclosing Foreign Activities
- CITI COI Training (Free for UofSC faculty; must register)
- Staff Disclosure and Review Process
Key Contacts
Department |
Contact Name |
Contact Information |
---|---|---|
Audit & Advisory Services |
Frank DiSilvestro COI Compliance Manager |
803-777-3732 |
Office of Research Compliance |
Thomas Coggins Director |
803-777-4456 |
Activity and Financial Interest Reporting System (AIR) |
Deborah Kassianos Director of IT & Data Management Office of Vice President for Research |
803-777-6421 |
Office of the Provost |
Mary Anne Fitzpatrick Dean of Faculty and VP for Faculty Affairs |
803-777-2808 |
Human Resources |
Melissa Arnold Employee Relations Director |
803-777-3821 |
University Policies on Conflict of Interest and Commitment
- BTRU 1.18: Conflicts of Interest and Commitment
- H.R. 102: University of South Carolina Ethics Policy
- ACAF 1.50: Outside Professional Activities for Faculty
- RSCH 1.06: Disclosure of Financial Interests and Management of Conflicts of Interest Related to Sponsored Projects (Research)
- H.R. 1.30: Outside Employment
- H.R. 1.27: Nepotism
- FINA 2.14: Acquisition and Payment of Goods and Services