Conflict of Interest

Policy Category: Administrative Policies

Policy Number: 2.14

Policy Issued: 1/20/2012

Policy Revised: 2/16/2017, 2/23/2026

Policy Reviewed: 2/16/2017, 2/23/2026

Policy Title: Conflict of Interest

Policy Approved: 1/12/2012

Resolution #:

Pages:1 of 1

College employees are expected to devote their work activities primarily to functions of the College. They may, however, engage in extramural activities provided that such activities do not detract from the performance of their duties and responsibilities to the College and/or create conflict of interest with their assigned College responsibilities. Extramural activities means any work not performed as a College employee, whether or not compensated. It is expected that extramural activities will take place outside of the employee’s designated work time.

Authorization may be granted to employees who want to perform work outside of the College during their designated work time. Any such time will be charged to accrued vacation, leave without pay, or documented flex time approved by the employee’s supervisor. Employees shall not engage in any activities or outside employment that may result in a conflict of interest as defined by the Ohio Ethics Commission. Employees shall not use their positions to secure anything of value, financial gain, or personal benefit that would not ordinarily accrue to them in the performance of their official duties. Nor shall they accept any compensation from any other agency or individual for work performed in the course of their employment by the College.

Designated work time - hours of day agreed upon by supervisor of when an employee will perform work for the College.

Extramural activities - any work not performed as a College employee, whether or not compensated.

Externally compensated activities - any work not performed as a College employee for which compensation is received.

Intellectual property - inventions, works of authorship, patents, copyrights, licenses, etc., relating to sponsored programs or other research activities.

I. Conflict of Interest and Work Outside the College

A. State ethics law — All employees of state-assisted colleges are covered by Chapters 102 (Ethics) and 2921 (Offenses Against Justice and Public Administration) of the Ohio Revised Code. In accordance with the law, copies of Chapters 102 and 2921 will be provided to each new faculty or employee of the College.

B. Extramural activities — Employees engaging in extramural activities must avoid the use of information or procedures that may involve a conflict of interest with assigned College responsibilities, particularly as related to an area of ongoing research, including sponsored programs with specific contractual restrictions. Failure to adequately perform College responsibilities due to involvement in extramural activities is considered a neglect of duty and may result in termination, regardless of whether the activity is approved.

C. Disclosure — Employees shall disclose all outside employment and extramural activities upon request by Hocking College. Employees seeking to engage in outside employment and/or extramural activities must have the prior approval of the appropriate college/departmental official. Employees have a duty to disclose all outside employment and extramural activities not previously reported and approved.

III. Use of College Resources

A. Use of College name — Employees engaging in extramural activities shall not use the name of Hocking College, its units, or any other College trademark, service mark, or trade name in such a manner as to suggest institutional endorsement or support of a non-College enterprise, product, or service. Neither business cards bearing the College name, address, or campus telephone numbers nor College stationery is to be used in such a manner as to suggest institutional endorsement or support of a non-College enterprise, product, or service.