How to complete your conflict of interest and external activities disclosure forms
Conflict of interest and external professional activity disclosure forms are filed annually by all faculty members and librarians governed by the Framework Agreement.
- Forms must be submitted by February 1 of each year.
- Please submit the form to your chair/director or,
- In the case of non-departmentalized members, please submit to the dean or the university librarian
- In addition to a general annual disclosure, you are also required to submit an update for research purposes prior to beginning any new research project.
Defining conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest is defined in the Framework Agreement as: "real, perceived or potential situations in which an impartial observer might reasonably question whether the actions or decisions taken by the Member on behalf of the University are influenced by considerations of private interest. In the research context, a conflict of interest includes a situation where financial or other personal considerations may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising an investigators professional judgment in conducting or reporting research." (Article 69)
You must disclose any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest that relate to your participation in any university processes (including hiring, promotion or tenure), any matters concerning the financial or property interests of the University, your use of information that you gain from your employment that may be confidential, or your participation in research or creative activities or in any entities the University controls.
For more information about what constitutes a conflict of interest please read
Defining external professional activities
Professional activities (external to the university) that involve a commitment of your time in excess of a half working day per week (Framework Agreement Article 68) must also be disclosed. External professional activities include:
- service to, or work for, a corporation or partnership in which you have significant interest,
- work undertaken on contract to an external agency or business, and
- teaching courses (not part of a joint program) at another academic institution.
Relevant sections of the Framework Agreement
Article 68.0 - Conflict of Interest
Article 69.0 - Conflict of Interest and Reasonable Apprehension of Bias
Article 69.4 - Obligation to Disclose
Article 69.10.1 - Reporting Conflicts of Interest