The Conflict of Interest (COI) Program supports Case Western Reserve University's commitment to conducting research, education, clinical activities, and institutional decision-making with the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, and transparency. The program assists faculty, investigators, staff, and administrators in identifying, disclosing, and appropriately managing outside financial interests and relationships that could create actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. By promoting open disclosure and effective management of conflicts, the program helps protect the credibility of research and scholarly activities, maintain public trust, and ensure compliance with applicable University policies, sponsor requirements, and federal regulations.
The COI Program provides guidance and education to the University community, administers the disclosure process, reviews reported interests, and works collaboratively with individuals and departments to develop management strategies that allow valuable research, teaching, clinical, and entrepreneurial activities to proceed while safeguarding the integrity of University operations. The Conflict of Interest Committee serves as an important oversight body within this framework, assisting with the review and management of conflicts and supporting the University's commitment to responsible conduct and regulatory compliance.
Who Must Disclose?
Individuals required by University policy to disclose outside financial interests include:
- Board-appointed faculty
- Investigators engaged in research
- Senior staff and administrators, as applicable
- Other individuals designated by University policy or sponsor requirements
Please refer to the University COI Policy for detailed definitions and disclosure obligations.
When Must Disclosures Be Submitted?
Required individuals must:
- Complete an annual disclosure
- Update their disclosure within 30 days of a disclosable change in outside financial interests
- Complete additional disclosures as required for sponsored projects or other University activities
Outside Financial Interest Disclosure Form
Submit your Outside Financial Interest Disclosure Form online:
- Log in to SpartaCOI using your CWRU Network ID and password.
- Follow the instructions on-screen.
- For step-by-step login instructions, review the SpartaCOI User Guide (PDF).
- Unable to access SpartaCOI? See SpartaCOI Access.
- Need help? Email: cwrucoi@case.edu.
SpartaCOI Access
Conflicts of Interests (COI) Committee
The Conflicts of Interests (COI) Committee at Case Western Reserve University administers the university's policies on conflicts of interest to preserve the integrity of the university and its members. The committee aims to maintain compliance with applicable federal regulations while respecting academic freedom and encouraging outside scholarly and entrepreneurial activities.
The COI staff supports the committee in its endeavors, which include:
- Administering the annual disclosure process
- Reviewing annual and updated disclosure forms
- Developing conflict of interest management plans
- Providing education on conflicts of interest to the university community
Policies and Guidance
The following resources provide detailed information regarding disclosure obligations and conflict management:
- CWRU COI Policy (PDF)
- COI Management Plan Guidance for Investigators (PDF)
- Faculty Disclosure and Reporting Guidance
Get in touch with COI Contacts
For questions, feedback, or assistance, contact the Conflict of Interests program (COI) staff at cwrucoi@case.edu.
Use these steps to request account access and get added to the Research category.
Who can initiate the request?
The individual, a principal investigator (PI), a department assistant (DA), or other support staff may initiate a request to create a SpartaCOI account for an individual.
Step 1: Complete the Spiderweb profile
- Go to https://research.case.edu/spiderweb
- Log in using Single Sign-On (SSO).
- Complete the form (fields marked with a red asterisk are required).
- Do not select a department shown in dark gray. These are inactive and will prevent the account from being created.
- Click Submit.
Step 2: Email the Sparta team to request account creation
Email: sparta@case.edu (CC the individual if the request is submitted by someone else) Subject: SpartaCOI Account Creation Request
A 7-digit CWRU EMPLID or Student ID is required. Use “None” only if the individual truly does not have a 7-digit ID. Temporary IDs may be assigned by the Sparta team only for proposal-stage requests.
Copy and paste the text below into your email and complete the fields:
CWRU Network ID: (e.g., abc123)
CWRU EMPLID or Student ID: (7-digit number)
Last Name:
First Name:
I need to complete a SpartaCOI disclosure form because I have been added to a research protocol. I have completed my Spiderweb profile. Please request that my account be created in the Grants/COI systems and add my account to the Research category.
Step 3: Sparta team processing timeline
After the request is received, the Sparta team will create the account and add the user to the Research category. Please allow 1 to 2 business days for processing.
Step 4: Complete your COI disclosure
You will receive an automated email inviting you to complete your COI disclosure in SpartaCOI. After you submit the disclosure, you will receive a confirmation email.
Need help? Review the SpartaCOI User Guide (PDF) or email cwrucoi@case.edu.
Who is required to complete a COI disclosure?
Board-appointed faculty, investigators, senior staff, and other individuals required by University policy must submit and maintain a current COI disclosure.
How often do I need to complete a disclosure?
Disclosures must be completed annually and updated within 30 days of any disclosable change in outside financial interests. [case.edu]
What is a disclosable financial interest?
Disclosable financial interests may include consulting income, equity interests, intellectual property income, fiduciary roles, or other outside interests that are related to your University responsibilities or research, as defined in the University COI Policy.
What happens after I submit a disclosure?
COI program staff review disclosures to determine whether a conflict of interest exists and whether additional review or a management plan is required.
Can I participate in research if I have a conflict of interest?
Yes. Having a conflict of interest does not necessarily prevent participation in research. Most conflicts can be appropriately managed through a management plan and ongoing oversight.
What is a management plan?
A management plan is a written agreement that outlines measures to reduce, eliminate, or manage a conflict of interest while allowing research or other activities to proceed.
How do I access or update my disclosure?
Disclosures are submitted and updated through SpartaCOI. Users can log in using their CWRU Network ID and password.
Who should I contact with questions?
For assistance with disclosures, management plans, policy requirements, or SpartaCOI access, contact the COI Program at cwrucoi@case.edu
CWRU COI Policy, Management Plan, and Disclosure Guidance
- CWRU COI Policy (PDF)
- COI Management Plan Guidance for Investigators (PDF)
- Faculty Disclosure and Reporting Guidance
Get in touch with COI Contacts
For questions, feedback, or assistance, contact the Conflict of Interests program staff at cwrucoi@case.edu.