Frequently Asked Questions about the OPACS Application

This page addresses possible questions about the operation of this online reporting and certification application (called Outside Professional Activities Certification System, or OPACS).

The answers on this page are intended to help you quickly, easily, and accurately file your required annual report on and certification of compliance with the Faculty Policy on Conflict of Commitment and Interest.

1.   What if I login to the OPACS application and do not see a report to complete?

If you do not see a report to complete, please contact the cognizant officer in your School (see Contacts page).

2.   If I make a mistake in entering a response, how do I correct it?

If you are still within the form and have not yet clicked “Certify”, simply use the “Back” and “Next” buttons in the application (not the browser’s Back button) to move from page to page to review or correct your entries.  If you have exited the form prior to clicking “Certify”, just reselect it from your dashboard and continue to the page(s) you would like to correct.

You may correct any response up until you use the OPACS application's “Certify” button to file your annual report and certification.  Once you've submitted your report and certification, it cannot be changed by means of this application. In this situation, contact the cognizant officer in your School (see Contacts page) to modify your report or to make an ad hoc disclosure.

3.   How can I increase the text size on the on-line form?

If the text is too small, you can increase the size by clicking Ctrl + (on a PC) or Command + (on a Mac) on your keyboard. Ensure that you continue to hold down the Ctrl or Command key while pressing +. To decrease the text size, press Ctrl - or Command -.

4.   If I can't finish my on-line report in one session, how do I suspend it and resume again?

You can close your browser or click “Logout” in the top right hand corner to suspend your session at any time. The application saves the information you have entered each time you move to another page. If you have entered new information on a page, ensure you click “Next” or “Back” to save the information prior to suspending your session.

When you are ready to resume completing your report, return to your OPACS Dashboard and click on the link for the applicable report.

5.   What happens when I click the “Certify” button?

When you click “Certify”, you signify your certification of your responses regarding compliance with the Faculty Policy on Conflict of Commitment and Interest. The OPACS application will store the responses electronically in an unalterable time- and date-stamped Adobe Acrobat file. This file will represent the University's original and permanent historical record of your certification. Once you've submitted your report and certification, it cannot be changed by means of this application. In this situation, contact the cognizant officer in your School (see Contacts page) to modify your report or to make an ad hoc disclosure.

 6. Can I review my responses before I certify the report?

You may review and change your responses at any time before you click the “Certify” button by using the application's "Back" or “Next” buttons. As noted above, avoid using your browser's “Back“ button.  Alternatively, once you have reached the end of your report, click the “View Form Summary” button to view all sections of the report in an easily scrollable form.

 7. How do I retain a copy of my responses?

Once you have submitted your annual report and certification, the OPACS application will save a copy of your report and make it available for you to view and print. If you are still inside the form, choose “View Form Summary” from the last page and click the Printer icon to print or generate a PDF copy of your report.

If you have left the application, return to your OPACS Dashboard and click the Document icon next to the applicable report under the “In Review” or “Review Completed” sections of the dashboard.

8.   Once I’ve submitted my certification, how can I get a copy of what I submitted?

For certifications submitted starting in 2012 (for calendar year 2011) and onwards, log into the OPACS dashboard (see #7 above).

9.   Can I access this on-line reporting tool from off campus?

Yes. You are able to access the OPACS application via any Internet connection by using OPACS.STANFORD.EDU along with your SUNet ID. It is not necessary to use VPN software to file and certify your compliance report from off campus.

10.   What if I can't access the on-line reporting tool?

If you have technical issues connecting to or maintaining connection with the OPACS application, please submit a HelpSU ticket via the HelpSU system, identifying the Request Category as "Administrative Applications," and the Request Type as "Conflict of Interest - Faculty."