Policy Overview
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has revised its Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Policy, effective September 10, 2026. The revised policy aligns with recent federal regulatory changes for COI training, and the disclosure, identification, reporting and management of actual or perceived significant financial interests that may affect, or appear to affect, the design, conduct, or reporting of ETSU-sponsored projects and programs.
Procedural Highlights
Prior to submitting a proposal or executing an agreement involving extramural funding, each Investigator* must:
- Familiarize themselves with the FCOI Policy and contact ORSPA with any questions
- Complete ETSU's designated FCOI training course in CITI
- File a Significant Financial Interest Disclosure in ETSURGe
- Join the ETSURGe Information Exchange for news and policy updates
* For purposes of the FCOI policy, Investigator means any individual, regardless of title or position, who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of a Sponsored Activity or is proposed for such a role. The term includes the Project Director/Principal Investigator, Senior/Key Personnel, collaborators, consultants, and research staff when they perform those responsibilities whether or not they request salary or compensation.
References & Resources
Federal Guidance
- Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.112 Conflicts of Interest
- National Science Foundation Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide
- National Institutes of Health Financial Conflict of Interest
- Department of Justice Financial Guide: Financial Conflict of Interest
- Department of Energy's Financial Assistance Regulations- Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment Policy Requirements (2 CFR part 910 subpart C)
- Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conflict of Interest Policy (2 CFR 400.2 )
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Conflict of Interest Policy (88 FR 60243)
ETSU Policy & Training Resources
- ORSPA Financial Conflict of Interest and Promotion of Objectivity in Sponsored Activities Policy
- CITI Programs Training Site
- ETSURGe Registration and Access
Questions?
Contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Conflict of Interest Administrator at: COIAdmin@etsu.edu.