Conflict of Interest

PASSHE Procedure/Standard Number 2016-22: Management of Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI)

Conducting high quality research and instructional activities is integral to the primary mission of State System member universities. Active participation by faculty and other employees in external activities that enhance their professional skills or constitute public service can be beneficial to the university as well as the individual.

The purpose of the procedure/standard (link above) is to provide the members of the academic community with a framework to promote quality and objectivity in research by establishing standards to ensure that the design, conduct or reporting of research or sponsored projects will not be biased by any conflicting financial interests of an investigator.

The procedure/standard provides a framework to manage, reduce or eliminate financial conflicts of interest in research, education, and service activities. This procedure/standard protects the credibility and integrity of faculty and staff, so that public trust and confidence in the sponsored activities are ensured. It is also intended that any such action be in accordance with applicable federal and state law as well as collective bargaining agreements.

The procedure/standard is issued under the authority of Act 188, Section 20-2005-A (7).