Outside Professional Activities and Conflict of Commitment

Overview

University employees are expected to ensure that their participation in outside professional activities does not interfere with the performance of their University duties. All University employees are subject to Regents Policy 1111: Policy on Statement of Ethical Values and Standards of Ethical Conduct, which states in section 6:

"Conflicts of Interest or Commitment

Employee members of the University community are expected to devote primary professional allegiance to the University and to the mission of teaching, research, and public service. Outside employment must not interfere with University duties. Outside professional activities, personal financial interests, or acceptance of benefits from third parties can create actual or perceived conflicts between the University’s mission and an individual’s private interests. University community members who have certain professional or financial interests are expected to disclose them in compliance with applicable conflict of interest/conflict of commitment policies. In all matters, community members are expected to take appropriate steps, including consultation if issues are unclear, to avoid both conflicts of interest and the appearance of such conflicts." (emphasis added)

Academic employees and researchers

Academic appointees are subject to APM-025: Conflict of Commitment and Outside Activities of Faculty Members and Designated Other Academic Appointees. For additional resources:

Policy-covered staff

All Professional & Support Staff (PSS), Managers & Senior Professionals (MSP), and Senior Management Group (SMG) employees are subject to the requirements of PPSM-82: Conflict of Interest. Section III.B. of this policy regarding Performance of University Duties states that:

"No one in the service of the University may devote to private purposes any portion of time due the University nor may any outside employment interfere with the performance of University duties."

Outside professional activities and conflict of commitment for Senior Management Group members

All Senior Management Group (SMG) employees who participate in outside professional activities, including officers of the university and those holding faculty appointments, are subject to UC Regents Policy 7707 ("Senior Management Group Outside Professional Activities"), which states that:

"While outside professional activities performed by SMG members are often mutually beneficial to the University and the members themselves, and are therefore encouraged, the primary commitment of University of California SMG members must be to the fulfillment of their regular University responsibilities."

SMG employees include the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Assistant Vice Chancellors, Chief of Police and Deans of the University. Additional information regarding outside professional activities for SMG members can be found below:

Definition of Outside Activities

Outside professional activities include, but are not limited to, service on state or national commissions, government agencies and boards, committees or advisory groups to other universities, organizations established to further the interests of higher education, not for profit organization, and service on corporate boards of directors.

Approval Authority

The immediate supervisor of a Senior Management Group employee is responsible for approving participation in outside professional activities in advance and in writing. The supervisor must keep this authorization on file.

Honoraria and Travel Reimbursement

Receipt of honoraria and travel reimbursement for expenses incurred in performing outside professional activities shall be in accordance with existing University policies and procedures, including, but not limited to:

  1. Personnel Policies for Senior Managers
  2. Business and Finance Bulletin G-28 – Travel
  3. Policy and guidelines regarding Acceptance of Gifts and Gratuities under California's Political Reform Act. See Acceptance of Gifts and Gratuities.

Compensated Outside Professional Activities

Accrued Vacation shall be used when a Senior Management Group member participates in compensated outside professional activities during the regular work week.

Corporate Board Service

For the reporting period July 1 through June 30 of each year, Senior Management Group members must report to the Office of the President information relating to compensated and uncompensated participation on corporate boards.