Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policies
The university and GW Employees have a shared interest and obligation in assuring the integrity of the university as well as the personal and professional integrity of individuals. As such, related policies exist to establish expectations and mechanisms for identifying and addressing actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment that pertain to conducting academic, research, and administrative activities in a fair and unbiased manner.
Consistent with these policies and the Code of Ethical Conduct, outside professional activities, potential conflicts of interest, and potential conflicts of commitment must be appropriately disclosed, reviewed, and managed or eliminated accordingly.
Below is a drop-down of conflict of interest and commitment-related policies:
- Policy on Outside Interests, Relationships, and Professional Activities
The Policy on Outside Interests, Relationships, and Professional Activities serves as a central hub for conflict of interest and commitment-related policies, establishing general principles that apply to all GW Employees with subsequent role-specific addenda that outline expectations and requirements specific to their university role (e.g., faculty, researcher, or executive, but excludes Trustees of the university). The policy defines terms such as conflicts of interest, conflicts of commitment, and outside professional activities, though it uses modernized language to reflect best practices, and it conveys the university's stance of generally supporting community members engaging in outside interests and professional activities while maintaining the highest ethical standards, with the necessary guidance or management.
- Trustee Conflicts of Interest Policy
The Trustee Conflicts of Interest Policy outlines expectations specific to university Trustees. A Trustee has an obligation to disclose any existing or potential personal, familial, or business interests that reasonably could give rise to a potential conflict, or the appearance of a conflict. This includes situations where a Trustee's access to certain university information could be used for private gain either by the Trustee, a member of their family, or in their business. ent.
- Institutional Conflict of Interest Policy
The Institutional Conflict of Interest Policy seeks to identify and mitigate conflicts between the university’s responsibilities as an educational and research institution and (a) the financial interests of the university, (b) the interests of those who have authority or influence over institutional policy or decision-making (“Covered Individuals” per the policy), or (c) external funders of university activities. The policy addresses situations in which a university interest creates an actual, potential, or perceived institutional conflict of interest related to decision-making on the part of university personnel, or the objectivity of research or education.
- Nepotism and Personal Relationships in Employment Policy
The Nepotism and Personal Relationships in Employment Policy states the university’s position that all employees and applicants for employment be evaluated on the basis of individual merit, professional qualifications, and performance, and be treated fairly during their employment. To ensure that personal relationships between employees do not materially interfere with or disrupt the university’s operations or jeopardize the working relationships of university employees, the policy governs employment relationships between members of the same immediate family, members of the same household, or individuals in personal relationships and defines these terms.
- Debarment and Suspension Policy
The Debarment and Suspension Policy articulates the university’s expectation that, as a non-profit institution, all trustees, officers, and management employees who have been suspended, debarred, or charged with criminal activity must report that to the Office of the President and will not be allowed to administer federal funds on behalf of the university.