It is the policy of the Research Foundation (hereinafter referred to as "the Foundation") that its staff (hereinafter referred to as "RF employees") perform their duties in an ethical manner that will ensure no conflict, nor any appearance of a conflict of interest, between their personal interests and those of the Foundation. A conflict of interest exists when individual commitment to the Foundation may be compromised by personal benefit. RF employees are expected to avoid situations or activities that could interfere with their unencumbered exercise of judgment in the best interests of the Foundation.
Since it is impossible to describe all of the situations that may be, or give the appearance of, unethical behavior or a conflict of interest, the prohibitions included in this policy are not intended to be exhaustive and include only some of the more clear-cut examples.
RF employees are expected to represent the Foundation in a positive and ethical manner. Thus, they have an obligation to avoid unethical behavior and to refer all questions and concerns to the President or his/her designee.
When a relative or partner of an RF employee is being considered for employment with the Foundation, the RF employee must disclose the relationship to the President or his/her designee. RF employees must disclose any financial interest they or their immediate family have in any entity that conducts business with the Foundation to the President or his/her designee. The Foundation may require divestiture of the interest if it considers the financial interest to be in conflict with its best interest. The Foundation may also prohibit an RF employee from exercising decision-making authority or exerting influence concerning any entity or transaction in which they or a family member have a personal interest.
Employees, their co-workers, or their supervisors must disclose any unethical behavior, conflict, or potential conflict of interest, to the President or his/her designee. Failure to do so on the part of any employee will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. In addition, disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of employment, will be taken against any RF employee who directs or approves infractions or has knowledge of them and does not promptly report and correct them. To encourage the full disclosure of potential conflicts, disclosures are treated confidentially.
What RF employees MAY NOT do:
What RF employees MAY do:
The provisions of this policy are effective January 1, 2007.
In the event that the terms of this policy are in conflict with any applicable Federal, State or local law, rule or regulation (statutory or decisional), the terms of the law, rule or regulation shall govern.
*This policy is not intended to apply to CUNY employees subject to University or governmental ethics policies.