Introduction to Potential Conflicts of Interest
and Conflicts of Commitment

What are the limits?    

You also must not use your official University position or influence to further gain or to advance you, your family members, or your personal associates at the expense of the University. 

An example of a conflict of interest that might advance a family member at the expense of the University is…

Your daughter owns a local restaurant that serves excellent food.  You regularly use your University Purchasing card to host visiting speakers for dinners at the restaurant.

• This is a potential conflict of interest.
• Note: It’s possible that your unit could decide to host speakers at dinners at the restaurant.  You could provide information about the restaurant.  You, however, shouldn’t be involved in the final decision about where to host unit guests.  If your unit decides to patronize the restaurant and you’re invited to attend, since you did not participate in the decision it would not be a potential or actual conflict of interest for you to join the dinner.