We value Collaboration. Here’s how to be transparent.
Questions? Email asklegal@gatech.edu
RECEIVING RESEARCH FUNDING?
Congrats! Prior to accepting funding from a foreign entity (e.g. contract, grant, gift, award), submit a proposal through the e-routing system at osp.gatech.edu/proposal-development and inform your Chair.
Questions? Email asklegal@gatech.edu.
TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY?
- If you plan to do any GT-related activity (e.g. a meeting), submit the Spend Authorization Form found in Workday (login required). In the Workday search bar type “Create Spend Authorization.”
- If you are doing sponsored research on your trip, obtain prior approval from your Contracting Officer.
- If you’re traveling with students, have the students register with the International Travel Registry.
Questions? Email asklegal@gatech.edu.
HOSTING OR HIRING A FOREIGN NATIONAL?
Let your HR partner know. To identify the HR partner in your department, talk to your Chair or supervisor. If you are hosting a visitor on campus, contact asklegal@gatech.edu.
EMPLOYED ABROAD?
Contact Global HR by submitting a request through ServiceNow and inform your Chair.
- Log into ServiceNow and type “General HR Request” in the search bar.
- In the section “Your issue is generally related to…”, select “Foreign National or International Assignment.”
- Make sure to include your GTID in the description field.
CONSULTING?
Be transparent by logging the consulting activity before you accept the opportunity. Visit the Disclosures and Conflicts of Interests page to access the ServiceNow Disclosure System.
COLLABORATING WITH A FOREIGN ENTITY?
Report the collaboration to your Contract Officer.
Questions? Email businesscoi@gatech.edu and your Chair.
SHARING IDEAS, MATERIALS, OR INFO?
- This may include sharing in a one-on-one conversation or with an audience, such as at a conference or convention. If you think you may need a nondisclosure agreement, visit the Non-Disclosure Agreement page.
- Sharing information may be considered an “export” or “import.” Consult with the Office of Research Integrity for information about export controls and compliance expectations.
- For more information on shipments, visit the International Shipping – Exports & Imports page.
Questions? Email asklegal@gatech.edu.
ACCEPTING OR GIVING A GIFT/DONATION?
Before you accept a gift or donation on behalf of GT and intended for the Institute, complete the In-Kind Gift Report Form.
The rules for gifts given to you personally are in Section “8.2.18.4 Gratuities” of the Board of Regents Policy Manual.
If you are contemplating giving a gift or making a donation that is or could appear to be, connected to GT business, email businesscoi@gatech.edu beforehand!
TIPS TO EVALUATE FOREIGN INFLUENCE RISKS
Trends show that a lack of transparency is a consistent factor in enforcement actions. Above all, be transparent about your activities. If you have questions, email asklegal@gatech.edu and your Chair.
CONSIDER
TAKE ACTION
Parties Involved
Vet individuals leading the engagement by looking for inconsistencies that might reveal an alternative arrangement or hidden agenda. The Office of Ethics and Compliance (asklegal@gatech.edu) can help you determine if any person or entity is on a “denied” list.
Commitment Length
To detect potential conflicts of commitment with your work at Georgia Tech, be aware of the expected time commitment and work product.
Financial Support
Financial and other incentives to participate may indicate an expectation of exchange (for intellectual property, large time commitment, or engagements that trigger conflicts of interest). Financial support is a risk indicator even if you don’t have sponsored research.
Engagement Goals
Clearly defining your engagement goals upfront helps keep the project scope and your commitment on track.
Unpublished Proprietary Information Sharing
This sharing can happen in any forum – Q&As, brainstorming sessions, or “water cooler” conversations. Lower the likelihood of sharing by limiting conversations to topics in the public domain.