Conflict of Interest
Teachers College Conflict of Interest (COI) policies and processes are designed to cultivate transparency, integrity, and accountability. We aim to offer clear guidelines for establishing and maintaining relationships and external activities. This ensures protection of the College's interests, the objectivity of its instructional and research programs, and individual academic integrity, while also adhering to legal and federal mandates. Outside interests and relationships should enhance, not compromise, one’s role within the College community and one's capacity to fulfill College responsibilities.
The College’s dedication to integrity is unwavering, and these policies will ensure that our community members continue to lead academic excellence and ethical conduct through honesty and objectivity, supporting the College’s mission statement.
Get Started
This year’s annual COI disclosure cycle will last from September 15 to October 15, 2025
- Review training materials for guidance on how to Complete a Disclosure Form in Cayuse.
- Review the Conflict of Interest Policies and Disclosure Forms in the Policy Library.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A Conflict of Interest occurs when an employee's personal or professional interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, their professional judgment and decision-making on behalf of Teachers College. This includes, but is not limited to, situations where:
- Employees' outside interests or activities may result in a direct or perceived benefit to themselves, potentially influencing their actions or decisions in their College role.
- Employees use College property or resources to advance personal interests.
- Direct or indirect supervisor/employee relationship exists with a family or household member, which could affect impartiality.
- Employees engage in outside activities or foreign affiliations that could conflict with the College’s interests or their ability to perform their duties effectively.
What is a Financial Interest and Significant Financial Interest (SFI)?
A financial interest is any economic stake that an employee or their family members hold that might affect or appear to affect the employee's ability to perform their duties impartially and in the College's best interest. This includes ownership in stocks, bonds or other forms of securities, as well as income from employment, consulting fees and honoraria. It also encompasses interests in intellectual property rights, such as patents or copyrights, that could benefit financially from the employee's professional actions or decisions.
A significant financial interest (SFI) is a specific subset of financial interests that are substantial enough to raise concerns about conflicts of interest. An SFI is typically defined by thresholds outlined in the policy, which could include, but are not limited to:
- Income exceeding $5000 from any entity in the past 12 months, such as salary, consulting fees or honoraria.
- Equity interests in publicly traded entities that exceed a specific value or percentage ownership.
- Any equity interest in non-publicly traded entities, regardless of its value.
- Intellectual property rights and interests that have generated income or are likely to do so.
SFIs must be disclosed to the College to ensure they do not compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of the employee’s professional duties and the College's operations.