Examples of conflict of interest situations

The employee's potential personal benefits conflict with the university's interests in maintaining fairness when selecting external service providers.

Potential mitigation measures

Another employee who is chosen by the university should assess the necessity for these services and, if the services are necessary, assume the role of administrative principal investigator or administrator for this arrangement.

In a business or financial context, “personal interests” may refer to an employee's role as a shareholder, founder, investor, consultant, or employee of a business outside of the university.

It is possible the gift could influence the employee's preference for purchasing from that specific company.

Potential mitigation measures

Gifts from current or potential suppliers may not be accepted by university employees.

The employee’s potential personal interests may be at the expense of the university’s interests and may violate the university’s policies on equipment and resource use.

Potential mitigation measures

Before using the equipment for this purpose, the employee must consult their supervisor, who will assess the use. If it is deemed that it can proceed, the business must pay for any use of the equipment or other resources used at their fair market value.

In a business or financial context, “personal interests” may refer to an employee's role as a shareholder, founder, investor, consultant, or employee of a business outside of the university.

The TA’s interests (e.g., a career opportunity) conflict with the university’s interests in maintaining integrity in the evaluation process.

Potential mitigation measures

The student’s work should be graded by another TA or instructor.

The faculty member’s position of authority and the resulting power imbalance potentially create, or can be perceived to create, a situation in which it is difficult for the student to refuse this work and/or maintain a balanced workload.

Potential mitigation measures

Have another appropriate faculty member take on the role of Administrative Supervisor to the student during the period of the proposed activity.

In a business or financial context, “personal interests” may refer to an employee's role as a shareholder, founder, investor, consultant, or employee of a business outside of the university.

Using confidential information acquired through one’s role within Concordia for personal benefit is strictly prohibited.

Potential mitigation measures

Acting on these interests must be avoided.

The member’s interests may create a situation of actual or perceived conflict of interest.

Potential mitigation measures

The member or relative should follow the usual procedures to apply for the position or opportunity at the university and take any other measures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

The TA may be tempted to or be perceived to favour or disfavour (give high or low marks to) students with whom they have (or have had) a personal relationship. This conflicts with the university’s interests in maintaining integrity in the evaluation process.

Potential mitigation measures

The student’s work should be graded by another TA or by the instructor.

In this situation, the power imbalance inherent to this relationship can heighten the vulnerability of the student.

Potential mitigation measures

The integrity of the instructor-student relationship must be protected. See Concordia’s Consensual Romantic or Sexual Relationships Guidelines.

The appearance of favouring a relative over other prospective candidates undermines the perception of objectivity and fairness within the hiring process of the university.

Potential mitigation measures

An employee who wishes to hire or supervise their immediate relative must first receive the written authorization from the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources following consultation with the relevant individuals. Such authorization will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and will be noted in the employee’s personnel file. The hired relative will also be required to sign an acknowledgement document which will set forth, among other things, how the conflict of interest will be managed, and this document will be placed in their personnel file.

The faculty member could potentially appear to favour a relative, which conflicts with the integrity of the supervisor-student relationship.

Potential mitigation measures

A faculty member may not take on this role.

Although it is plausible the spouse's company is qualified, and the spouse won't directly benefit, there could be a reasonable perception that the company received an inappropriate advantage.

Potential mitigation measures

Another employee, chosen by the university, should assess the necessity for these services and assume the role of administrative principal investigator for this arrangement.

The supervisor may favour or be perceived to favour their family member in areas like evaluation, promotion, salary, vacation and flexibility.

Potential mitigation measures

This relationship must be divulged prior to the position change. Authorization is required from the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources following consultation with the relevant individuals. Such authorization will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and will be noted in the employee’s personnel file. The immediate family member will also be required to sign an acknowledgement document which will set forth, among other things, how the conflict of interest will be managed, and this document will be placed in their personnel file.