Office of the Provost
Conflict of Interest
Potential Conflicts of Interest (COI) and Conflicts of Commitment (COC) are inevitable where faculty are engaged, as they ought to be, with collaborators, sponsors, publishers, and other institutions outside the University. These potential conflicts are not necessarily problematic and faculty members are encouraged to engage in outside activities and relationships that enhance the University’s mission. To maintain our credibility in the eyes of the public, it is important that faculty disclose any potential conflicts of interest or commitment as soon as they arise so that they can be evaluated objectively and, if necessary, managed or eliminated.
For more background information, the University's main website for Conflict of Interest and Commitment is located on the UM-Ann Arbor Provost website. University policies on Conflict of Interest and Commitment can be found in the Standard Practice Guide (SPG 201.65-1).
Guidance for Conflict of Interest in Sponsored Programs can be found on the Vice President for Research website and additional information on faculty working outside the University in the Standard Practice Guide (SPG 201.65-0).
UM-Dearborn Policies
UM-Dearborn's Policy documents on Conflict of Interest and Commitment were approved by the President on October 1, 2007. Both Conflict of Interest (COI) and Conflict of Commitment (COC) are covered in the following documents:
Example scenarios and discussion questions may be helpful in understanding when these policies apply and when an employee might be in a conflict situation.
Tools for the COI/COC Manager
Steps to consider after the President approves your unit policy
Basic steps to take after an employee discloses a potential COI/COC