SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) employees have a fundamental obligation to act in the best interests of the organization and San Diego State University. Personal outside activities and financial interests shall not interfere with that obligation. Employees are expected to apply their time and effort appropriately and to use SDSURF resources in support of SDSURF’s mission and goals. If an SDSURF employee’s actions result in an inappropriate personal advantage, or if those actions are detrimental to the best interests of SDSURF, they present a conflict of interest.

Conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to: 1) engaging in a business that competes with SDSURF's functions, 2) accepting a gratuity, gift or premium from a vendor who is seeking to do business with SDSURF, or 3) entering into a business relationship with an entity that is substantially owned or operated by an employee or relative of an employee of San Diego State University or SDSURF.

SDSURF employees should not engage, directly or indirectly, on or off the job, in any conduct that is disloyal, disruptive, competitive, or damaging to SDSURF. For example, employees should not accept employment outside SDSURF if that employment is to be conducted during the hours that the employee is working for SDSURF or if such employment conflicts with the effectiveness of the employee's work for SDSURF.

Employees should not utilize SDSURF information or services for their personal use, nor should they perform activities that are unrelated to SDSURF work during working hours. In the event that an employee is engaged in a business relationship that poses either a direct or indirect conflict of interest with SDSURF including but not limited to instances where an individual who has influence over transactions involving purchases, contracts or leases, has entered into a business transaction that presents a direct or indirect conflict of interest, it is imperative that the employee disclose, as soon as possible, the existence of the conflict of interest to a senior manager of the SDSURF. Overall, you are expected to represent SDSURF in a positive, ethical, and loyal manner.

Materials, products, designs, plans, ideas, files, techniques, procedures, research, computer programs, formulas, patterns, methods, models, films, audio tapes, specifications, processes, strategies, bids, proposals, financial information, inventions, discoveries, programs, drawings and other data of the Foundation are the property of SDSURF and should not be used for personal gain or given to an outside firm or individual except through regular channels and with appropriate authorization by SDSURF management. Any transfer of material or disclosure of information, even though it is not apparent that an employee has personally gained by such action, constitutes unacceptable conduct.

Any employee found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline. If you have any questions as to whether any action you take may constitute a conflict of interest or violation of this policy, you should speak to your supervisor or to the Chief Human Resources officer immediately.

Updated 1/2020
Updated 3/2023

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