Failure to comply with the policy may result in disciplinary action. Also, individuals will not be allowed to submit internal or external grant applications without compliance. A potential conflict of interest occurs when there is a divergence between private interests and professional obligations to the University such that an independent observer might reasonably question whether the professional actions or decisions are determined by personal financial gain. A potential conflict of time commitment exists when professional activities external to the University exceed reasonable time limits or whenever primary professional responsibility is not to the University. Kansas State University policy covers all full-time unclassified faculty and staff and all others who have potential or possible conflicts of interest or time commitments.
Family includes spouse, dependent children, and members of personal household.
Ownership of intellectual property, e.g., patents, royalties, and copyrights is also included. Ownership of funds and holdings acquired through the Regents' retirement programs is not included. However, the Board of Regents' policy indicates that external activities of faculty and staff, such as consulting, outside employment, public service, pro bono work, or serving as an officer of an external entity, even without compensation, can result in real or apparent conflicts regarding commitment of time or effort. The policy states that faculty members and unclassified staff of Regents' institutions owe their primary professional responsibility to their employment institutions, and their primary commitment of time and intellectual effort should be to the education, service, research and scholarship missions of said institution. Faculty and unclassified staff should maintain a presence on campus commensurate with their appointments.