University Policy PPSM-82 "Conflict of Interest" states that University officers and employees
must avoid the appearance of favoritism in all of their dealings on behalf of the University. All University officers and employees are expected to act with integrity and good judgment and to recognize that the acceptance of personal gifts from those doing business or seeking to do business with the University, even when lawful, may give rise to legitimate concerns about favoritism depending on the circumstances
Certain gifts to University employees are prohibited by law.
All University officers and employees are expected to act with integrity and good judgment and to recognize that the acceptance of personal gifts from those doing business or seeking to do business with the University, even when lawful, may give rise to legitimate concerns about favoritism depending on the circumstances
The 2019 UCOP Guide to Gifts provides useful detail on what constitutes a gift and what amount of gifts may be accepted and/or must be disclosed. (Note that the gift limit increased to $630 as of January 1, 2025. The most recent information can always be found on this FCCP website.)
Designated officials are prohibited from accepting gifts totaling more than $630 from a single source in a calendar year, if the gift must be reported on their Statement of Economic Interests Form 700, in accordance with their disclosure categories (see: Financial Conflict of Interest and Disqualification Rules under the California Politicial Reform Act). The Guide to Gifts identifies several exemptions on what is defined as a gift. Limits on gift acceptance change from year to year. The most recent information can always be found on this FCCP website.
You are required to disqualify yourself from influencing, participating in or making any University decision that involves a source of a gift to you, if you have received a gift of $500 or more in the past 12 months from that source.
Per the 2012 UC Policy on Distribution of Tickets and Passes to University Officials, "It is the policy of the University that the distribution tickets or passes by the University to its officials, or to a third-party at the request of a University official, must accomplish a "public purpose" of the University. Tickets or passes distributed in accordance with this policy are not considered gifts under the Political Reform Act....Once a ticket or pass has been distributed to a University official in accordance with this policy, the official may not transfer the ticket or pass to any other person, except to members of the official's immediate family or no more than one guest solely for their attendance at the event."
If a University officer or employee has any question regarding the propriety of a gift, disclosure of the gift or proposed gift, they should ask the Conflict of Interest Coordinator (conflicts@berkeley.edu) for a determination of the proper course of action.
