Conflict of Interest
Colorado College is committed to the principles of transparency, integrity, independence, and responsible stewardship. Faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in outside professional, scholarly, and community activities that enrich their expertise and support the College's educational mission.
Outside activities, however, must not interfere with an individual's College responsibilities or compromise—or appear to compromise—the integrity of College decisions. Employees are expected to avoid actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest and to disclose situations that may require review.
Related Policy
This page provides general guidance on identifying and disclosing conflicts of interest. Employees should also review the Code of Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy for complete requirements, definitions, and responsibilities.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict of interest exists when an employee's personal, financial, or outside professional interests could influence—or appear to influence—their ability to make objective decisions on behalf of Colorado College.
Having a conflict of interest does not necessarily mean someone has acted improperly. Many conflicts can be appropriately managed through disclosure and, when necessary, a Conflict Management Plan.
When Should I Disclose?
You should disclose any situation that could create an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest, including situations involving you, a family member, household member, or close personal associate.
Examples include:
- Owning, managing, or having a significant financial interest in a company that does business with, seeks to do business with, or could benefit from decisions made by Colorado College.
- Serving as an officer, director, trustee, advisory board member, or other decision-maker for an outside organization whose interests overlap with your College responsibilities.
- Holding outside employment, consulting engagements, or other compensated professional activities that may conflict with your College responsibilities.
- Using College facilities, equipment, staff, student assistance, laboratories, confidential information, or other College resources for outside activities.
- Supervising, hiring, evaluating, or making employment or purchasing decisions involving a family member, household member, or close personal associate.
- Having access to non-public College information that could benefit you, a family member, or an outside organization.
- Holding an appointment or formal affiliation with another college or university.
- Serving in an elected office, political appointment, or leadership role that could overlap with College business or decision-making.
Additional examples for faculty include:
- Requiring students to purchase textbooks, software, subscriptions, or other instructional materials from which you receive royalties or other financial benefits.
- Having a family member or close personal associate applying for employment at or admission to Colorado College when your role could influence those decisions.
These examples are not all-inclusive. If you are unsure whether a situation should be disclosed, contact the Director of Employee Relations and Support.
What Happens After I Disclose?
Disclosure is intended to promote transparency—not to prohibit outside activities.
After a disclosure is submitted, the Director of Employee Relations and Support reviews the information and, when appropriate, consults with the employee's supervisor, dean, vice president, or other College leadership to determine whether:
- no conflict exists;
- the situation can be managed through a Conflict Management Plan; or
- the activity must be modified or discontinued.
Conflict Management Plans are developed on a case-by-case basis and may include measures such as:
- Recusal from hiring, purchasing, contracting, grading, admissions, or other decision-making.
- Reassignment of supervisory or administrative responsibilities.
- Additional disclosure to affected parties.
- Restrictions on the use of College resources.
- Periodic monitoring or review.
- Other reasonable steps to protect both the employee and the College.
Annual Disclosure
Responsible Individuals, as defined in the College's Conflict of Interest Policy, are required to complete an Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. Employees must also promptly disclose any new potential conflicts that arise during the year.
Reporting Concerns
Employees who become aware of an actual or potential conflict of interest or other ethical concern are encouraged to report it through one of the following resources:
- Their supervisor
- The Director of Employee Relations and Support
- The anonymous reporting system (Speak Up Colorado College)
- The Ombuds Office
Colorado College prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a concern or participates in an investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
show all / hide all