Faculty Outside Teaching or Research Guidance

Conducting research or teaching outside of the university has the potential to compete with the university's own offerings and opportunities. The Faculty Code, section III. F. states, “No such member of the Faculty shall accept an outside teaching appointment during the academic year or engage in any other regular activity of a remunerative nature without the approval of the university.” Outside research constitutes a regular academic activity. The following guidance should be followed to comply with this provision of the Faculty Code and to avoid a conflict of interest or commitment.

Approval

Approval for outside teaching appointments or regular academic activities, including outside research, must be authorized by: (1) department chair, or unit head for academic units without a department chair, (2) dean or dean delegate, (3) provost or provost delegate. Approval is not needed if the activity is not remunerated or if it occurs outside the academic year.

Commitment

Outside teaching or research should not be performed during time-owed to the university. The Faculty Code Section I. B. states, “Faculty shall have a primary responsibility of devoting their time, thought, and energy to service of the University.” A full-time Faculty Member may spend the equivalent of up to one working day a week on average during the academic year on outside professional activities provided such commitments do not interfere with primary university obligations. Notwithstanding the one working day for outside professional activities during the academic year, all Faculty are expected to manage their outside professional activities so as to ensure that all university responsibilities are met. Department chairs, or unit heads for academic units without a department chair, and deans are responsible for ensuring compliance with this rule. Additional guidance is available.

University Resources

Faculty should not use university personnel, equipment, or services for personal gain except incidental, reasonable use as referenced in the Personal Use of University Resources Policy.

Remuneration

Remuneration for outside teaching or research should be negotiated by the Faculty Member directly and does not involve the university.

Disclosure and Oversight

Faculty should work with their department chairs or head of academic units to ensure that the outside teaching or research does not become a potential, perceived, or actual conflict of interest or conflict of commitment. If a situation arises that has the potential of becoming a real or perceived conflict of interest or conflict of commitment, the Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Risk should be contacted. A plan to mitigate, manage, or eliminate conflicts may be developed as needed.