Special Rules

Differences among University offices

It seems that some faculty are allowed to benefit from their positions at the University in ways that could be a potential conflict of interest. For example, I have a friend in another unit who regularly has lunch paid for by people or offices outside the University. Why do differences among University units exist?

Without exception, University faculty must abide by the University’s conflict of interest and conflict of commitment policies that apply to them.  

However, the guidelines for each unit are tailored to the mission and activities of that unit. It’s possible that attending these lunches may be an important part of your friend’s University responsibilities.  Plus, her unit may have procedures in place to ensure that such lunch opportunities don’t improperly influence University decisions.