- NMU Policies and Requirements

Employees and faculty have the right to speak and act as private persons, but must avoid the impression that they speak or act on behalf of Northern Michigan University except when empowered to represent the University. Unless specifically described in their job descriptions, faculty and staff should not by publication, statement, or activity, either directly or by implication, indicate that the University endorses any commercial product or service. 

In no case may faculty or staff indicate that the University endorses a personally affiliated entity. 

If, through the normal course of University business, they are charged with endorsing a product, service, or enterprise that has been reported as a potential conflict of interest, or otherwise could result in personal financial gain or the financial gain of an affiliated entity, they must recuse themselves.  

An affiliated entity means any company or organization that has a close relationship to the faculty member or employee of the University through shared ownership, control, or influence. The relationship can be through direct or indirect connections, such as common ownership, management, or financial interest. 

Relationship to the Conflict of Interest Policy:
The NMU Conflict of Interest Policy requires all faculty and staff who expect to do business with the University to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including relationships with affiliated entities, to the Purchasing Department each year.