4.15 - Conflict of Interest Policy
Policy Number - 4.15
Approved: 03/18/2025
Purpose
To ensure College employees identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest and conduct themselves in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the college. Members of the Board of Trustees are also subject to guidelines related to conflict of interest, as outlined in the Board of Trustees Handbook.
Scope
This policy applies to all Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) employees.
Definitions
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when financial or personal considerations compromise an individual’s objectivity, professional judgment, professional integrity and/or ability to perform his/her responsibilities for the College. A perceived or potential conflict of interest can occur when, although there is no actual conflict, the circumstances are such that a reasonable person might question whether a decision maker is biased in carrying out his/her professional responsibilities for the College. The following non-exclusive list provides examples of situations that often give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest.
An employee
- has an ownership interest in an entity with which the College does business;
- receives significant salary or other compensation from an entity/individual with which/whom
the College does business; - receives individual gifts or individual discounts from an entity/individual with which/whom
the College does business, when the donor intends to influence the employee in the
performance of his/her official College duties; - is an administrator, director or other key decision maker for an entity with which the College
does business; - receives significant commissions or fees as part of an outside business from a
customer/client with which the College also does business; - has a family member or close personal relationship with someone who fits into one of
the categories described above; or - who works a second job which would interfere with their KCKCC scheduled hours or
job duties (see policy 5.07 Outside Employment).
Policy Statement
Employees of KCKCC have an obligation to uphold the public trust, protect and advance the College’sintegrity and act in the best interest of the institution while carrying out their official duties. This obligation includes refraining from activities in conflict with the College’s interest.
Employees of KCKCC responsible for the College’s financial stewardship shall disclose potential conflicts of interest annually.