COI Software FAQ

What internet browser should I use to fill out my Conflict of Interest form?
The COI software has been successfully tested on current versions of the following browsers:

  • Google Chrome
  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge

Do I have to be on the Duke network to complete my form?
No. You do not have to be at a Duke location or on the Duke network to fill out a COI form. The COI software can be accessed from any location. All you need is an internet connection and a valid Duke NetID/password.

How many questions will I have to answer?
It depends. The form will be tailored to your specific situation. You will be asked some very broad, high-level questions (e.g., "Are you involved in research?"). If you answer yes to a high-level question, then you will be asked follow-up questions (e.g., "Is your research externally funded?"). If you answer no to all of the high-level questions, then you won't have any follow-up questions, and you will have to answer less than 20 questions. If you have complex situations, then you may have to answer many questions.

What if I don't understand a question?
There are a couple of ways that you can get more information about a question. You can click on the "Explain This" link at the end of a question to get helpful information about that specific question. You can also move your mouse over any underlined word in a question to see the definition of that word (in the context of COI) in a hover tip.

How can I access different sections of the form?
There are a couple of ways for you to navigate through the form. You can go to the next section or return to the previous section by using the "Continue" and "Back" buttons. You can also jump directly to a section by selecting the section name in the navigation menu at the top of your screen.

How can I get a printout of my form?
Click the Print preview link in the top right corner of the form, and then choose File/Print in your internet browser to print a paper copy of your form.

How will I know when I'm finished?
Within each section of the form, unanswered questions will be highlighted in red. Once all questions in a given section are answered, you will see a green check beside the section name in the navigation menu. Once all sections are complete, you can submit your form. Once you have submitted your form, you will see a 'receipt' page for your form. It will say something like "You have submitted your 2013-2014 Conflict of Interest Disclosure. Receipt Number: 106753". You are not finished until you see the receipt page.

If I exit the form without submitting, will my data be lost?
No. The COI software automatically saves your answers as you fill out the form. You may notice that an "All changes saved" notification appears briefly in the top right corner of the form (next to the Print Preview icon) each time you answer a question.

What should I do if I get a browser warning when I hover over an underlined word in a question?
The first time you hover over an underlined word in a question, you may see a warning that says "This page contains both secure and nonsecure items. Do you want to display the nonsecure items?" This is a known issue with Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Explorer 8. Just answer yes, and continue filling out your form.

What should I do if I see a blank box when I hover over an underlined word in a question?
If you hover over an underlined word in a question, you may see the definition display for a second, and then disappear. This is a known issue with some versions of Internet Explorer 9. There is no fix for this problem at this time, but it will not prevent you from answering questions and submitting your form. If you really need to see the word definitions, you could try using another browser.