Conflict of Interest

Conflict of Interest Information

This site provides information regarding Conflict of Interest in the workplace and disclosures and training required by law.

Political Reform Act of 1974

The Political Reform Act of 1974 requires CSU, as an agency, to adopt and communicate Conflict of Interest (COI) codes. The Act contains a general prohibition against conflicts of interest. Conflict of Interest law seeks to minimize the extent to which public employees pursue their own financial interests at the expense of the public interest.

Under the Act, no CSU employee shall make, participate in making, or attempt to use his or her official position to influence a CSU decision in which he or she has a financial interest. University employees shall not vote, make recommendations, or in any way participate in personnel or financial decisions if such participation constitutes a conflict of interest.

Requirements

The CSU Conflict of Interest Code requires employees in designated positions to file a  CA Form 700 Statement of Economic Interest  on an annual basis.  Additionally, California State law mandates that employees who must file a Statement of Economic Interest Form (FPPC Form 700), or designated employees, must take "Avoiding Conflict of Interest" training every two years or within 90 days of first assuming their designated position. Employees in Designated Positions are likely to encounter decisions where a conflict of interest might arise. The CSU further designates its employees must take a CSU-specific Conflicts of Interest training.

Timeline and Tracking

Each year, completed forms are due to the Human Resources by April. The completed form covers the period of January 1 – December 31 of the previous year.

The Program Specialist from the Staff Development and Enrichment (SD&E) will serve as the "CSUSB COI Filing Officer" and "COI Training Program Manager" responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with COI training requirements.

Form 700 Filing Instructions

1. Conflict of Interest Form 700 must be submitted electronically. Send an email to the Program Specialist at hr-requiredemployeetraining@csusb.edu with the following information:

   - Name

   - Email 

   - Working Title

   - Start Date or Conflict of Interest Form 700 request date

2. Once the Filing Officer (Program Specialist) has granted you access to eDisclosure, you will automatically receive a username and password via email from form700.csu@southtechhosting.com.
3. Enter the login ID and password that was included in your new account notification. After you have entered this information, just click the "Log In" button. If this is your first time logging into eDisclosure, you will be asked to create a new password and security question.
4. From your "Home Page," you will find a list of all positions that require you to file Form 700. To begin, place a checkmark next to the position that you want to file.
5. Once you have completed Form 700, click the "finalize" form button.
6. Accept the verification and choose electronic submission. 

Resources

1. Frequently Asked Questions: Form 700 Disclosure
2. Limitations and Restrictions on Gifts, Honoraria, Travel and Loans - Fact Sheet
3. CSU - Technical Letter - HR/Policy Admin. 2024-01
4. CSUSB - Designated Positions & Disclosure Categories Listings

Need Help? 

If you have questions or feel a specific position does not meet the COI criteria, please contact Staff Development and Enrichment at hr-requiredemployeetraining@csusb.edu. Additionally, the CSU has a Form 700 tutorial that summarizes the process. Please select the Form 700 Tutorial to access to the training. 

To learn more about Conflict of Interest, please access Chancellor's Office Human Resource Services website