In a presentation to the Faculty Council on the work of his office, Vice President for Research Administration David Wynes described pending federal regulation that would dramatically overhaul the federal conflict of interest regulations for individual faculty. Among the major proposed changes:

• The threshold for review for conflict of interest in outside activity would be reduced from $10,000 in stock or income to $5,000 combined;
• Threshold for review for interest in a private company set at zero equity;
• Requirement that the university post a website listing all faculty with conflicts of interest, even if the conflict is managed; and
• Requirement that every faculty member take continuing education in conflict of interest.

Wynes said a final ruling on the proposed changes was expected in late winter 2011.