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Faculty-Affiliated Companies: Week 4 |
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The use of University space and/or equipment & The involvement of students, post-docs and other trainees in faculty start-up activities |
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Welcome to week four of our series on faculty-affiliated companies (FACs). |
We are covering important requirements and processes to help you confidently navigate the laws, policies, and standards that apply when you or your family members have ownership interests or other significant ties to a company.
If you missed last week, where we went over purchasing equipment and services from an FAC, you can view it here.
This week’s focus: The use of University space and/or equipment & the involvement of students, post-docs and other trainees in faculty start-up activities |
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The use of University space and/or equipment by an FAC
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If a faculty-associated company requests to use University labs, space, or equipment, that request must be reviewed by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) to ensure:
Faculty with a personal interest in a company (or their subordinates) cannot approve that company’s use of University facilities or resources. |
Faculty affiliated companies are eligible to apply to be part of the Technology Incubation Program (TIP). TIP provides lab and office space, access to UConn resources, venture development programming and support for the growth of the company. |
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The involvement of students, post-docs and other trainees
in faculty start-up activities
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Faculty start-up companies can provide valuable learning opportunities for students, postdocs, and other trainees, but these relationships must be handled with care. Because trainees are in a vulnerable position, their participation must always be:
Voluntary Beneficial to their academic or professional development, and Free from interference with their academic progress.
UConn policy requires faculty to obtain approval from their department head and the Dean of the Graduate School before employing students in outside activities. Faculty must also provide:
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Dr. Rivera, the UConn faculty member and co-founder of a biotech startup |
...wants to use University lab equipment to help his company run additional tests. He also hopes his graduate student, Maya, can assist since she already works with that same equipment in his UConn lab. |
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While this seems like a simple extension of their research, it raises two key issues: use of University resources and involvement of students in faculty start-up activities.
Before moving forward, Dr. Rivera must:
Request approval from the OVPR for his company’s use of University equipment. Obtain approval from his department head and the Dean of the Graduate School before involving Maya in company work. Her participation must be voluntary, educationally beneficial, and paid at market rate with a written offer letter. |
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The various policies and laws that apply are fact-specific and it is highly recommended that faculty consult with the appropriate offices. |
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Next Week's Focus: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) |
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