Conflicts of Interest

You can access an up-to-date version of the University’s Conflict of Interest or Commitment Policy via the University Secretariat's Senate Policies webpage. The policy discusses the following broad topics:

For specific details, please consult directly the Conflict of Interest or Commitment Policy, which you can find on the University Secretariat's Senate Policies website.

Conflicts of Interest on Committees

All perceived or actual conflicts are to be disclosed. It is always best to err on the side of caution and ensure that members do not participate on appointments or RTP committees when there is even the appearance of conflict.

Where it is believed that there is a perceived or actual conflict, the unit leader (head) is to make a determination of whether there is a conflict of interest and to make arrangements so that, where there is a conflict, it is avoided or does not persist. Resolutions could include: allowing participation in discussion but not voting; allowing voting but not participation in discussion; prohibiting any participation on the matter (including attendance).

If the attempt to resolve the conflict fails, then the council or committee adjudicates the matter. Also, if the disclosure occurs in the context of a meeting, the committee adjudicates the matter.

Attention should be given to careful recording and documentation of these situations by the retention and filing of oral and written disclosures, for example in the unit leader’s files or in the minutes of a committee meeting.