University of Washington
Department of Computer Science & Engineering
UW Faculty Code Regarding "Involvement with Commercial Enterprise, Deeper
than Consulting"
August 1999
The "gospel" on all of this is the Faculty Code, part of the
University
of Washington Handbook.
The relevant portion is
Vol. IV,
Part V, Ch. 6, Sect. 6, "Involvement with Commercial Enterprise, Deeper
than Consulting."
To save lots of grubbing around, here
are some excerpts, along with some
comments from Patrick Jones at OTT:
University Handbook Volume IV, Part V, Section 6.C.f
"Holding of a line management position, participation in day-to-day
operations within a commercial enterprise, or assumption of a key,
continuing role in the scientific and technical efforts of a commercial
enterprise should not be approved for full-time faculty, librarians,
or other academic personnel. The only condition under which the employee
might normally remain at the University while carrying out such activities
is if his or her appointment is reduced by a fraction consistent with the
level of activities. Even in such circumstances, however, the employee's
ethical obligations to the University and responsibilities under the
University policies remain undiminished."
Level of Oversight Required
"The supervisor must consult with the Office of the Attorney General
regarding ethics law compliance prior to approving deeper involvements."
Approval is contingent on periodic six-month reviews to ascertain
(a) that such deep involvement is still necessary, and (b) that
circumstances remain as initially described.
"Requests for approval of such deeper involvement with commercial
enterprise shall disclose fully to the supervisor the following
aspects of the affiliation:
- Nature of the relationship
- Short and long-term commitment of time and effort
- Financial aspects, including the extent of compensation, equity,
and indirect and/or potential economic value
- Expected benefit to the enterprise
- Expected benefit to the employee and to the University."