Conflicts of Interest (COI)

To avoid a conflict between personal or professional interests and UNMHSC interests, individuals must not be in a position to act on behalf of or make decisions for the HSC if their personal economic gain or interest may directly or indirectly influence, or have the appearance of influencing, the performance of their UNMHSC duties.  Good judgment of Faculty and Staff is essential, and no list of rules can provide direction for all the varied circumstances that may arise. If a situation raising questions of Conflict of Interest or Conflict of Commitment arises, Faculty and Staff are urged to discuss the situation with their school dean, supervisor or the UNMHSC Conflict of Interest Office.

Considerations of personal gain must not influence the decisions or actions of individuals in discharging their responsibilities. Such incentives might create a perception of impropriety and, therefore, require that such conflicts be identified, and then managed, reduced, or eliminated. The following activities are examples of situations that may raise questions regarding an apparent or real Conflict of Interest:

1. Undue personal gain from funds or resources; 
2. Excessive or unauthorized use of time or resources for professional, charitable, or community activities; 
3. Exploitation of students for private gain;  
4. Compromise of priorities due to personal financial considerations; 
5. Unfair access by an outside party to UNMHSC programs, services, information, or technology; 
6. Selection of an entity as a vendor by an individual who has a personal or economic interest in that entity; this includes engaging a relative as an independent contractor, subcontractor, or consultant; or 
7. Acceptance of a gift or favor from an Entity (or representative of an Entity) conducting (or seeking to conduct) business with UNMHSC, when a Faculty or Staff member is in a position to influence or inform decision-making relative to engaging the Entity on behalf of UNMHSC. 
8. Activity that has the perception or appearance of compromising an employee's actions or judgments in the administration, management, or performance of their professional activities. UNMHSC will exercise oversight and care in eliminating or managing Conflicts of Interest that do or may arise because of an individual’s personal interest in activities related to their Institutional Responsibilities. The HSC will not accept or enter into agreements, contracts, gifts, or purchases that give rise to a Conflict of Interest unless the conflict can be eliminated or appropriately managed through administrative oversight to protect the interests of the individual and the HSC.

You can disclose a potential conflict of interest here.

View COI Policies and Regulations.