Conflict of interest arises when a faculty member is unable to exercise independence of judgment because of tension between responsibility to the College and responsibility to oneself or another. In small institutions like Wilmington College, where individuals are often asked to play a variety of roles, conflict of interest problems tend to arise more frequently than in larger settings where responsibilities can be divided among a larger number of persons.
When a conflict of interest is perceived, one should make a full disclosure of the underlying facts to all affected persons and proceed to act only after their consent is obtained. In instances where one's duties or roles within the institution are themselves in conflict, the only ethical course of conduct is to withdraw from making a decision and to seek the appointment of a disinterested individual to fulfill one or both functions.
As professionals who serve in a variety of roles, faculty members must be sensitive to situations involving a conflict of interest on their part. A conflict of interest occurs whenever an individual faculty member’s personal interests and potential gain come into conflict with or otherwise compromise the integrity and interests of students, colleagues or the College. Faculty members should discuss any action that might involve a conflict of interest with their Area Coordinator.
Examples of potential conflicts of interest include but are not limited to
- teaching, supervising and/or participating in decisions affecting an immediate family member or a person with whom one has or has had an intimate relationship
- being a voice in consensus in committee deliberations regarding proposals or actions which lead to a direct personal benefit, as in awarding faculty development grants, tenure and promotions
- accepting remuneration for consulting or doing workshops while representing the College in an official capacity (not as an independent contractor) unless agreed upon contractually
- accepting royalties or charging students for the adoption of one’s own personal publications or teaching aids without permission of the Academic Dean/Dean of the Faculty
- purchasing equipment, instruments or supplies for college teaching or activities from a private firm or individually provided services with which the employee is affiliated or receives personal benefits or rewards