Conflicts of Interest

The University, as a general rule, does not enter into purchasing contracts with students, faculty and staff or members of their immediate families. An acquisition from a business in which a Columbia employee has an interest is prohibited unless full disclosure of the background facts are presented in writing to the Assistant Vice President for Purchasing and approved. Interest is deemed present if the Columbia employee and/or his or her spouse or partner or un-emancipated minor children own ten (10) percent or more of the assets of a business. No University employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a purchasing contract supported by Federalfunds if such participation would involve a real or apparent conflict of interest.