Policy 1.4 - Conflict of Interest (cross reference Policy 6.2.13)

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In accordance with N.C.G.S. §§ 14-234, 133-32 and Chapter 138A and in order to avoid conflict
of interest, the appearance of conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety, the Board of Trustees and College employees shall adhere to the following rules:

A. Contracts with the College

Board members and employees shall not do any of the following:

1. Obtain a direct benefit from a contract that he/she is involved in making or administering on the College’s behalf unless a legal exception applies;

2. Influence or attempt to influence anyone who is involved in making or administering a contract on the College’s behalf; or

3. Solicit or receive any gift, favor, reward, service or promise of reward, including a promise of future employment, in exchange for recommending, influencing or attempting to influence the award of a contract by the
College.

A Board member or employee is involved in administering a contract if he/she oversees the performance of the contract or has authority to interpret or make decisions regarding the contract. A Board member or employee is involved in making a contract if he/she participates in the development of specifications or terms of the contract or participates in the preparation or award of the contract. An employee derives a direct benefit from a contract if the employee or his/her spouse does any of the following: (a) has more than ten percent (10%) ownership or other interest in an entity that is a party to the contract; (b) derives any income or commission directly from the contract; or (c) acquires property under the contract.

B. Receipt of Gifts

Unless a legal exception otherwise applies, no Board member or College employee may accept gifts from any person or group desiring to do or doing business with the College unless such gifts are instructional products or advertising items of nominal value that are widely distributed to the general public.

C. Reporting Requirements

Any Board members or employee who have questions regarding this Policy or whose actions could be construed as involving a conflict of interest shall report as follows:

1. College employees shall report to their immediate supervisor.

2. President / Board Members shall give written notice to the Board Chair.

3. Board Chair shall give notice to the board and record in the minutes, notifying the College’s legal counsel as appropriate.

D. N.C. State Ethics Act

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 138A-3(30)(k), all voting Board members, the President and the Vice President for Administrative Services1 (“Covered Persons”) are subject to the N.C. State Ethics Act. Covered Persons shall complete and file a public disclosure of economic interests as required under the Act, adhere to the ethics standard required under the Act and shall complete all required mandatory ethics education and training.

Any applicable State Board administrative regulations and rules and any applicable North Carolina state law will take precedence over this Policy.

Legal Reference: N.C.G.S. §§ 14-234, 115D-26, 133-32 and Chapter 138A

Adopted: October 10, 2018

1 The State Ethics Act defines the President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative office as “covered persons” under the Act.