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Faculty-Affiliated Companies: Week 1 |
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What is a “Faculty-Affiliated Company” (FAC) and What Policies Apply? |
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Dear Faculty, |
At UConn, we’re proud to foster innovation, translational research, and entrepreneurship. With those opportunities, we also recognize that financial conflicts of interest can sometimes arise between your UConn work and your involvement with outside companies.
Over the coming weeks, the Office of University Compliance, in partnership with the Provost’s Office and the Office of the Vice President for Research, will share key guidance on:
Faculty consulting Faculty-affiliated companies Purchasing equipment or services from faculty-affiliated companies Use of University space and equipment Federal small business research grants State ethics rules and UConn requirements Our goal: to help you confidently navigate the laws, policies, and standards that apply when you (or your family members) have ownership interests or other significant ties to a company.
This week’s focus: what is a “faculty-affiliated company” and what policies apply? |
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What is a Faculty-Affiliated Company (FAC)?
A business - either for-profit or non-profit - where you (UConn/UConn Health faculty) or an immediate family member:
Serve as a director, officer, owner, or partner OR Benefit from a trust interest OR Hold at least 5% of any class of stock |
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Laws and Policies That Apply
Connecticut State Ethics Laws exist to make sure state employees, their families, and any related businesses don’t personally benefit from their state roles. UConn’s Guide to the State Code of Ethics was created to help faculty and staff understand these rules and how they apply to our day-to-day work.
UConn's Guide to the State Code of Ethics
Outside work can’t interfere with your independent judgment or involve sharing confidential information from your University role. You’re free to use your expertise in outside activities, but not your University position to secure them. Faculty Consulting Policy
Full-time faculty need written approval through UConn’s online consulting request system before starting any outside activity that provides compensation. All consulting requests and reconciliations must be submitted following University procedures. Financial Conflicts of Interest in Research Policy
Intellectual Property and Commercialization Policy
Outlines how inventions, creative works, and discoveries made using University resources are to be properly disclosed, protected, and, when appropriate, commercialized through UConn or approved faculty-affiliated companies. Please note that other UConn policies may also apply.
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Approvals for FACs and Consulting
Faculty need to submit a consulting request for any outside, paid activity connected to their professional expertise or reputation. Requests are also required for active FACs, either to approve your work with the company, or to confirm that you won’t be doing any work with the company that year. Unpaid activities linked to your expertise (where only necessary expenses are covered) usually don’t need consulting approval. These are often considered professional service. If you own any part of a FAC, you must request consulting approval from the Provost’s Office even if the company isn’t paying you. A new request must be submitted every year for each FAC, whether you’re active with it or not. |
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Key Takeaway
If you have an interest in, or are engaged with, a Faculty-Affiliated Company - whether paid or unpaid - you must ensure you comply with University consulting approval processes and related ethics policies. |
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Next Week's Focus: FACs and Research: Subawards and Subcontracts with UConn |
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