Conflict of Interest

As an Urban Grant university, Portland State University is committed to providing high quality instruction, research, and service that meet the needs of the Portland Metropolitan Area, state, and nation. Faculty members may therefore engage in outside professional activities such as consulting, and continuing education and service activities that are beyond their regular University responsibilities. University guidelines and approval procedures, as described below, must be followed.

Activities considered to be within the regular work duties of University faculty members include: teaching; research and application of research findings; preparation, publication, and review of articles and books (whether for royalty or not); preparation and delivery of lectures; consultation to government agencies, serving on advisory bodies, memberships and activities in professional societies; and participation in artistic performances or activities. In each of these, the following must apply: I) the activities are related to the faculty member's professional field; and 2) no compensation is received other than royalties from publications, or small honoraria typically given for service on federal or state agency advisory panels or seminars at other universities. Use of the Request for Approval of Outside Employment Form is not required for such activities.

Activities considered to be "outside" the faculty member's regular duties are:

• consulting for additional remuneration (e.g. providing services to the individuals or firms, educational programs presented by private firms or independently by faculty members), and
• involvement with commercial enterprises more substantive than consulting (e.g. ownership in a commercial enterprise, holding a line management position).

Both require approval by use of the Request for Approval for Outside Employment form.

Statement of Policy

It is the University policy to encourage its faculty members to undertake outside activities (not to exceed an average of one day/week) that will increase their effectiveness and broaden their experience in relation to their function at the University, or which will be of service to the community, private sector, non-profit sector, or public sector provided:

• The cumulative total outside professional activities and overload activities does not substantially interfere with the performance of the faculty member's University duties.
• The outside activities do not involve use of University property, facilities, equipment, or services, except in limited circumstances when approved by the faculty member's department chair (or equivalent) and Provost.
• The outside activities are approved by the department chair (or equivalent) and Provost, using the Request for Approval of Outside Employment form for consulting, or a memorandum for cases of involvement with commercial enterprises more substantive than consulting. A copy of the approved document should be filed with the Office of Academic Affairs before the outside activity begins. If the proposed activity includes signing an agreement concerning rights in inventions or materials, the agreement must be reviewed and approved by the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research.
• The faculty member makes it clear to the outside employer (agency, board, jury, or audience) that he or she is acting in an individual capacity and does not speak, write, or act in the name of the University or directly represent it.
• The faculty member does not list his or her university telephone number in commercial listings or other public documents, the purpose of which is to draw attention to the individual's availability for compensatory service. Further, use of the University name, logo, and stationery is prohibited.
• The outside employment is consistent with policies of the faculty member's college, school, or division.

1/91, PSU Guidelines for Avoiding Conflict of Interest Between the University Faculty and the Private Sector