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Conflict of Interests (COI) Committee

The Conflict 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 Committee is composed of CWRU faculty, administrators, representatives of affiliate hospitals, and community representatives. The committee, including its leadership, is appointed by the president. 

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

Outside Financial Interest Disclosure Form

CWRU requires board-appointed faculty members, investigators, and senior staff to complete the Outside Financial Interest Disclosure Form. This disclosure must be updated within 30 days whenever there is a disclosable change in outside financial interests. 

Submit your Outside Financial Interest Disclosure Form online: 

  1. Log in to SpartaCOI using your CWRU Network ID and password.
  2. Follow the instructions on-screen.
  3. For step-by-step login instructions, review the SpartaCOI User Guide (PDF).
  4. Unable to access SpartaCOI? See SpartaCOI Access.
  5. Need help? Email: cwrucoi@case.edu. 

 SpartaCOI Access 

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.

CWRU COI Policy, Management Plan, and Disclosure Guidance

Get in touch with COI Contacts

For questions, feedback, or assistance, contact the Conflict of Interests Committee (COI) staff at cwrucoi@case.edu.