Policy Name: Conflict of Interest

In order that members of the University community and other interested parties can have confidence in the hiring, tendering and employment practices of St. Thomas University, the University establishes this policy to provide reasonable precautions against favoritism in hiring, tendering and other employment related decisions.

It is the responsibility of every person covered by this policy to disclose any situation which may constitute a conflict of interest and to withdraw from the decision making process involved. Such disclosure shall be made to his/her immediate supervisor or the appropriate vice-president.

For the purpose of this policy, an immediate relative is defined as spouse, common-law spouse, partner, child, stepchild, sibling, parent, sister/brother-in-law, mother/father-in-law, grandparent and grandchild.

Hiring

The University does not discourage, nor prohibit the employment of more than one member of a family; however, such appointments should not occur in circumstances where one member of a family would exercise any form of supervision or direct influence over an immediate relative.

Awarding of Contracts

Employees covered by this policy will not sign, on behalf of the University, a contract which will benefit, either directly or indirectly, the employee or a relative or associate of the employee. Such contracts will be signed by the immediate supervisor of the employee.

Outside Employment

No employees shall undertake outside employment if, in the opinion of the University, the outside work would give rise to a conflict of interest or adversely affect their work performance.

Employees who wish to engage in employment outside the University must advise their supervisor or in the case of faculty members, the vice-president academic.

Acceptance of Gifts

A conflict of interest arises if gifts, gratuities or favors of any kind are exchanged between employees and any individual or company whose relationship with the University involves the member's sphere of responsibilities.

However, this policy is not intended to prohibit the acceptance or giving of common courtesies associated with accepted business practices including accepting or giving gifts of nominal value which could not be construed as a bribe or other improper payment. Cash payments, in any amount, must not be accepted or given as a gift or favor under any circumstances.