University Policies
▼ Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment Policy
Sets forth general guidance for the USA community in identifying and managing Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment and explains the importance for why such processes are necessary. While this policy is of general applicability to all members of the USA community, additional policies and procedures set forth provisions for specific Conflict of Interest or Conflict of Commitment scenarios. Click here to view the Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment Policy.
▼ External Professional Activities
Relationships between USA faculty and external entities can make a positive contribution
to the University environment by providing avenues to test and exchange information
and ideas. This policy outlines the conditions under which faculty may conduct external
consulting and professional activities and describes the requirements for approvals
and associated disclosures. Click here to view policy.
▼ Conflict of Interest in Research
Establishes guidelines to aid in the identification, evaluation and resolution of
potential or real Financial Conflict of Interest related to University research activities.
This policy references U.S. Public Health Service and National Science Foundation
requirements. The policy emphasizes that our primary obligation is to the University
and the integrity of the research, and that we adhere in all instances to the highest
standards of ethical behavior. Click here to view policy. Click here for Policy; here for Procedures
▼ Institutional Conflict of Interest
Defines appropriate institutional safeguards to sustain an environment where sponsored
projects, dedicated gifts, research, scholarship, entrepreneurial endeavors, and technology
transfer are carried out responsibly. The goal of this document is to raise awareness
of the issues and situations that should be disclosed, reviewed, and managed on behalf
of the University by the individuals who serve as its leaders and administrators.
Click here to view policy.
▼ Faculty and Staff Authored Textbooks (Faculty Handbook)
The purpose of this policy is to mitigate the potential for conflict of interest when
faculty authored textbooks are used by USA students. When using faculty authored textbooks
there is an inherent potential conflict with may arise by requiring students to purchase
course materials authored by a faculty member and for which a faculty member authored
and may stand to gain financially. Click here to view policy.
▼ Policy on Faculty and Staff Interactions with State, Local, and Federal Officials
and Agencies
Sets forth guidelines pertaining to contacts being made on behalf of the University
with local, state, and federal government officials and agencies. This policy is designed
to ensure compliance with legal requirements, to enhance the effectiveness of governmental
contact, and to facilitate coordination and communication within the University. Click here to see policy.
▼ USA Board of Trustee Conflict of Interest Policy
Defines conflict of interest from the perspective of a Trustee’s fiduciary responsibility
to assure personal, business, third party and other interests are always subordinate
to the welfare and best interests of USA, and that the impact of one’s potential or
real conflicts on USA are minimized. Click here to see USA Board of Trustee Conflict of Interest Policy.
▼ Use of University Research Facilities and Equipment by External Entities
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the circumstances under which External Entities
will be allowed to utilize the University’s research facilities in a manner that will
enhance the mission of the University without hindering its primary educational and
research missions. The University reserves the right to refuse requests for use of
its research facilities and equipment and to determine the parameters of such use
where allowed. (policy currently under development)
▼ Familial Relationships in Sponsored Research
Members of the USA community conducting sponsored research may not participate in
decisions or authorize University funds when the subject involves activities by family
members. The policy is intended to ensure that the University manages actual and
perceived conflicts of interest arising from family members who will be working together
on a sponsored research project. (policy currently under development)
▼ Purchasing Manual (Procurement Conflicts of Interest)
Establishes purchase activity guidelines from a Conflict of Interest perspective.
A conflict of interest exists in a purchasing activity when some factor (financial
or personal interest in a supplier) interferes or appears to interfere with or influence
a departmental requestor’s ability and duty to be completely impartial and loyal to
USA’s interests. Click here to view policy.