Should I discuss my intention to participate in an outside interest with my supervisor before planning to do so, even if I am doing it on my own time?
Answer: Yes, before entering into any agreements or outside interests, you should work with your supervisor to gain their agreement that the outside interest will not conflict with any of your roles and responsibilities for the University. You should submit your pre-approval request via DASH Research COI, and utilize the “Request Pre-Approval” option located in the Menu on left hand side of the page.
Am I prohibited from entering into an outside interest with a foreign entity?
Answer: No, outside interests and collaborations are encouraged; however, those interests need to be reviewed and approved prior to entering into any agreements. Employees must keep in mind if they plan to submit proposals for any funding opportunities, certain foreign affiliations my not be allowable under the terms and conditions of the funding agent.
How do I know if I am supposed to complete a Disclosure or a Disclosure Profile update?
Answer: Please review University Policy, GE0002-Conflicts of Interest and Commitments, along with the supporting Guidance documents for information. During the Annual Disclosure period you will receive an email notification indicating the actions you need to take. Also, you may receive an email notification to update your Disclosure Profile if you are submitting a proposal or participating in a funded research project where updates to your Disclosure Profile are required more frequently than annually. If you do not find the answers you are needing in these documents, please contact Jay Taylor Bailey, vtaylor@utk.edu, for assistance.
As a supervisor approving annual disclosures, am I required to hold approval of the disclosure until I have completed the Annual Performance Review for the employee?
Answer: No, you are not required to hold approval for the disclosure until the performance review is completed. Placing importance on ensuring the disclosures/disclosed outside activities are reviewed within the context of the performance review allows supervisors and employees the opportunity to discuss how the outside activities can benefit/affect the employee’s UT responsibilities. The disclosure can be approved at any time by supervisors; however, the expectation that discussions regarding outside activities are included within the annual review process still exists.
I submitted an updated Disclosure Profile; however, my supervisor has not approved it. Does this mean I am out of compliance if my disclosure isn’t approved?
Answer: No, you are considered compliant. The policy only requires the employee to submit the disclosure and comply with any concerns addressed regarding outside interests disclosed.