CT SB00872

Allows faculty members and faculty bargaining unit members at state higher education institutions to engage in consulting agreements and research projects with public or private entities, provided such activities do not conflict with their employment.

Requires each constituent unit's board of trustees to establish policies ensuring faculty consulting and research activities do not misuse university proprietary information, create conflicts of interest, or inappropriately leverage the institution's name or affiliation.

Mandates that policies include procedures for disclosure and review of conflicts of interest, require chief academic officer approval before faculty enter consulting agreements or research projects, and establish sanctions for non-compliance.

Requires each constituent unit's internal audit office to annually audit compliance with consulting policies and report findings to an oversight committee.

Establishes a nine-member Faculty Consulting Oversight Committee for The University of Connecticut, composed of three members appointed by legislative leaders, one board trustee, the chief academic officer, three members appointed by the university's CEO, and one member from the Citizens Ethics Advisory Board, to review audit reports and make policy recommendations.