School of Medicine & Public Health – Conflict of Interest in Student-Related SMPH Committees

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Policy Number:
SMPH-8075
Old Policy Number:
80.75
Responsible Office:
SMPH Office of Academic Affairs

School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Conflicts of interest, real or perceived, may arise when members of School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) committees participate in decision-making processes involving a student or applicant with whom they have a personal, professional, or academic relationship. This policy addresses potential conflicts of interest for members of student-related SMPH committees and defines those instances where committee members must recuse themselves from official proceedings.

Definitions:
Academic relationship
An academic relationship may exist if a committee member has:
  1. served as a formal mentor to the student or applicant;
  2. evaluated or assessed the student or applicant for reasons other than those necessary for the work of the committee, and that evaluation or assessment is relevant to the issue at hand; or
  3. provided the student or applicant with advice on personal matters.
Committee member
A participant on any committee concerning program student admissions, promotions, grievances, appeals, or other student-related matters. Committee members may include SMPH faculty, staff, and students; honorary/adjunct faculty; and members of the community.
Conflict of interest
When a committee member has an academic, personal, or professional relationship with a student or applicant being evaluated by that committee. Current or past associations other than those noted above may constitute a conflict of interest and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the chair of the relevant committee.
Personal relationship
A relationship in which a reasonable person may perceive a conflict of interest including but not limited to relationships in which the committee member is the spouse, partner, parent, sibling, child, or other relative of a student or applicant or other relative.
Professional relationship
A relationship in which:
  1. a committee member has provided healthcare services to a student or applicant, or
  2. there is or was a direct reporting relationship between a committee member and a student or applicant.
Policy:
  1. On an annual basis, committee members will attest in writing that they have reviewed and agree to the Conflict of Interest Agreement for SMPH Student-Related Committee Members.
  2. In accordance with the agreement, committee members will recuse themselves, at a minimum, from voting or decision-making with respect to any student or applicant if the committee member has a conflict of interest.
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Conflict of Interest Agreement for SMPH Student-Related Committee Members

Recusal Procedure for SMPH Student-Related Committee Members

UW School of Medicine and Public Health – Conflict of Interest Agreement for Committee Members template

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Dean, School of Medicine and Public Health
Policy Manager:
Director of Education Accreditation and Compliance
Contact:
Director of Education Accreditation and Compliance -- Megan Heneke, megan.heneke@wisc.edu, (608) 265-4811
Effective Date:
05-01-2017
Date Issued:
05-01-2017
Revised Dates:

11-01-2019, 2-1-2023

Retrieved:
04-27-2024 05:19:17