Ethics Act annual disclosure

July 26, 2012

Marmian Grimes

All university employees, including regular, term, temporary, student and full and part-time faculty and staff are responsible for complying with the ĐÓ°Épro Executive Branch Ethics Act (ĐÓ°Épro Statute 39.52).  The Act governs how you do your university job, and to some extent, limits what you can do in your personal life. For example, the Act regulates: Official Action that affects your personal or financial interests; Misuse of Official Position; Abuse of Subordinates; Misuse of Resources; Partisan politics; Use of information; Gifts; Participation in Grants, Contracts, Leases & Loans; Representation of 3rd Parties; and Post-Employment Actions.









The ĐÓ°Épro Executive Branch Ethics Act – Quick Reference1


  • Official Action – Before you act, consider whether you or an Immediate Family Member have a personal or financial interest in the matter. If so, don’t take, recommend, or withhold action, or coerce a subordinate’s action in such a matter.

  • Misuse of Position – Don’t use your position for personal gain, or grant unwarranted benefits to anyone. Don’t seek or accept money, services, employment, or contracts through your job or for doing your job.

  • Abuse of Subordinates – Remember that your subordinates work for the University and have specific jobs – don’t ask them to do things to benefit your personal or financial interests.

  • Misuse of Resources – Don’t use state time, property, equipment, or other facilities to benefit your personal or financial interests.

  • Partisan Politics – Partisan politics have no place at work. Don’t use any University resource for a “partisan political purpose,” defined as intent to differentially benefit or harm a candidate or potential candidate or political party or group.

  • Interference with Hearing Process – Don’t have off-the-record contact with decision-makers in administrative proceedings.

  • Use of Information – Don’t use non-public information to obtain any benefit for you or an immediate family member. Remember that to be public, information must be broadly disseminated, not just available.

  • Gifts – Don’t accept gifts that might be intended to influence your actions, and disclose all gifts of more than $150.

  • Outside Employment and Activities – Refrain from incompatible outside activities or employment. Disclose all outside activities as they arise, and every July 1.

  • University Grants Contracts, Leases, or Loans – Neither you nor your Immediate Family Members may seek interests in University grants, contracts, leases, or loans if you can