Conflict of Interest

The University of North Georgia expects that all of its employees are committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. Part of maintaining an ethical culture is properly managing outside activities and avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest.

The University of North Georgia complies with the USG Board of Regents Policy 8.2.18.2 Conflicts of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Outside Activities. 

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when an employee is in a position to influence, either directly or indirectly, university business, research or other decisions, in ways that could lead to gain for the employee, the employee’s family or others to the detriment of the university’s integrity and its mission of academic excellence, research and public service.

Conflict of Commitment

A conflict of commitment arises when the outside activities of an employee are so substantial or demanding of the employee’s time and attention as to interfere with the individual’s responsibilities to the department in which the individual works, to students, or to the university.

Outside Activities

Outside activities may be defined as any paid or volunteer activity undertaken by a UNG employee outside the scope of their employment with the university. Outside activities may include (but are not limited to) consulting, participation in civic or charitable organizations, working as a technical or professional advisor or practitioner, or holding a part-time job with another employer, whether working in one’s UNG occupation or another. Employees wishing to engage in outside activities must obtain approval prior to beginning the outside activity.

What are the Reporting Requirements for Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Commitment and Outside Activities?

Employees are required to complete the University of North Georgia Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Commitment, and Outside Activities Training Module and Disclosure Form upon initial hire and annually thereafter.

Employees wishing to engage in outside activities must obtain approval prior to beginning the outside activity by completing the University of North Georgia Request to Engage in Outside Activities Form.

Frequently Asked Questions