When a university faculty or staff member enrolls in a program to earn a degree at the university, a potential for conflict of interest may arise as a result of the dual role as student and as a faculty or staff member.  Persons in this status who are seeking degrees or certificates must demonstrate that the potential for conflict of interest will not compromise the quality of their program of study.  Approval of cognizant department heads and deans will be required.  In any case, supervisors should never have the responsibility of grading individuals whom they supervise.

In the case of graduate degrees or certificates, such programs must also be approved on a case-by-case basis by the dean of the Graduate School with the concurrence of the provost and chief academic officer.  When appropriate, the dean may confer with the Graduate Council about the potential for conflict of interest in such programs.  The graduate dean may require a specific representative on such a graduate committee, possibly including off campus representatives, as a condition for approving programs.

Related

Cross-Reference:

Revision History:

2017 Recompilation, formerly Rule 3.20.33