Human Resources - Connecticut State University System Policy Regarding Faculty Consulting with Public and Private Entities
Faculty professional activities such as consulting or engaging in a research project for a public or private entity often is useful in maintaining and enhancing the faculty member’s academic scholarship and competence. However, the primary responsibility of full-time faculty during the academic year is to the Connecticut State University System and their respective universities. The value of these outside activities is recognized both by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Board of Trustees and the CSUS- AAUP and by statute and regulation.
For the purposes of this policy, consulting shall be defined as the provision of services for compensation to a public or private entity by a member of the faculty or member of the faculty bargaining unit: (I) when the request to provide such service is based on such member’s expertise in a field or prominence in such field, and (II) while such member is not acting in the capacity of a state employee.
For the purposes of this policy, research shall be defined as a systematic investigation, including, but not limited to, research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to general knowledge in the applicable field of study.
Faculty are expected to comply with the applicable provisions of the aforementioned Collective Bargaining Agreement, state statute and regulation. As such, no faculty member may engage in consulting agreement or research project that (A) inappropriately uses university proprietary information in connection with such agreement or project; (B) interferes with the proper discharge of his or her employment with the university; and/or (C) inappropriately uses such member’s association with the university in connection with such agreement or project.
Each university shall establish internal operating procedures that shall ensure, to the extent possible: (i) the disclosure, review, and management of conflicts of interest relating to any such agreement or project; (ii) the approval of the chief academic officer of the university prior to any such member entering into any such agreement or engaging in any such project; and (iii) the referral of any failure to comply with the provisions of this policy or university procedure to the applicable disciplinary process outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Each university shall provide a report to the Office of the Chancellor of any such approved activities on or before May 1 and November 1 of each year. In addition, the Director of Internal Audit for the Connecticut State University System shall audit each university’s compliance with the established internal procedures and this policy semiannually.
WCSU Compliance Form for Reporting of Research or Consulting with Outside Public or Private Entity
