Conflict of Interest and Business Ethics

Conflict of Interest and Business Ethics

The conflict of interest policy seeks to encourage disclosure and discussion of potential conflicts of interest with the Alumni Association or affiliated organizations. The Alumni Association recognizes and respects the individual employee's right to engage in activities outside of his or her employment that are private in nature and do not in any way conflict with or reflect poorly on the Alumni Association. Management reserves the right, however, to determine when an employee's activities represent a conflict with the Alumni Association's interests and to take whatever action is necessary to resolve the situation up to and including termination.

The list below suggests guidelines for some of the types of activity that would reflect in a negative way on the employee's personal integrity or that would limit his or her ability to discharge job duties and responsibilities in an ethical manner and considered “unethical”: This does not cover the varied circumstances that may arise but will be used as a guide in evaluating potential conflict.

1. Simultaneous employment by another firm, particularly if the other firm is a competitor or supplier.
2. Carrying on Alumni Association business with a firm in which the employee, or a close relative of the employee, has a substantial ownership or interest.
3. Holding a substantial interest in, or participating in the management of, a firm to which the Alumni Association makes sales or from which it makes purchases.
4. Borrowing money from customers or firms, other than recognized loan institutions, from which our Alumni Association buys services, materials, equipment, or supplies.
5. Accepting substantial gifts or excessive entertainment from an outside organization or agency.
6. Speculating or dealing in materials, equipment, supplies, services, or property purchased by the Alumni Association.
7. Participating in civic or professional organization activities in a manner whereby confidential Alumni Association information is divulged.
8. Misusing privileged information or revealing confidential data to outsiders.
9. Using one's position in the company or knowledge of its affairs for outside personal gains.
10. Engaging in practices or procedures that violate Anti-Trust Laws or other laws regulating the conduct of Alumni Association business.

REMEMBER: Employment by the Alumni Association carries with it a responsibility to be constantly aware of the importance of ethical conduct. Employees must refrain from taking part in, or exerting influence in, any transaction in which their own interests may conflict with the best interests of the association.

Each employee shall provide full disclosure of any business or financial enterprise or activity in which he or she is involved which might influence, or might appear to have the capacity to influence his or her official decisions or actions on the Association’s behalf. Disclosure shall be in writing tendered to your department manager or Vice President or President of the Association.