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For any questions please send e-mail to: NDSU.Policy.Manual@ndsu.edu

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SECTION 151: CONFLICT OF INTEREST

SOURCE: SBHE Policy Manual, Section 611.4

1. An officer of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education authorized to sell or lease any property or make any contract in the officer's official capacity is subject to the provisions of N.D.C.C. Section 12.1-13-03 and may not be interested in any such sale, lease or contract.

2. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. Section 48-02-12, employees of the Board may not have any interest in a public construction or repair contract.

3. An employee of the Board may not have an interest in any contract involving the expenditure of public or institutional funds entered into by the institution that the employee serves or by the Board unless:

   a.

   N.D.C.C. Sections 12.1-13-03 and 48-02-12 do not apply; and

   b.

   The contract is approved by the institution's chief financial officer or, if the employee in question is the chief financial officer or president of an institution or an officer of the Board, by the Board, following full disclosure of the employee's interest.

4. All employees involved in projects receiving federal funds shall consult applicable federal laws and regulations and comply with conflict of interest rules which may govern federal grants or other sponsored agreements.

5. An officer or other employee who violates this policy is subject to dismissal or other disciplinary action.
   
   
6. Employees of NDSU authorized (including delegated authority) by Policy 712 to enter into contracts on behalf of the University must sign the North Dakota State University Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement. All other employees will be provided notice about this Policy but need only sign the statement if they have a conflict. Notices and collection of statements shall be administered by the Purchasing Office.
   
   
7. Employees have an obligation to act in the best interests of NDSU. Any direct or indirect personal or financial interest which could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in any agreement, transaction or relationship must be disclosed by the employee by completing and signing the North Dakota State University Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement and submitting it to the employee's supervisor. This includes but is not limited to the disclosure of privately owned assets being used or otherwise commingled with state assets and participation in any foundation, business or public entity which may create a conflict with an employee's obligations to NDSU. See also NDSU Policy 152: External Professional Activities.

HISTORY: July 1990; Amended November 1996; June 2000, October 2001, December 2002.