Use of the University Name and Seal
I. Use of the University Name and Seal
The University’s name and seal are the exclusive property of the University and, consequently, may not be used in connection with goods or services offered by any outside organization without the prior permission of the President of the University. Employees publish a considerable number of reports in the form of bulletins, circulars, scientific articles, monographs, and books, some of which are copyrighted and others of which are not. Material from such recognized publications is, of course, quotable, and prior recognition should be given to both the individual author and to the University in connection with such quotations.
II. University Assumes No Responsibility
The University assumes no responsibility for the competence or performance of “outside activities” engaged in by employees nor may any responsibility be implied in any advertising with respect to such activities. Employees may not represent themselves as acting on behalf of the University.
III. Compliance and Enforcement
Immediate administrative superiors are available for advance consultation with respect to potential conflicts between a member of the staff’s primary responsibility and outside activities. The University expects staff members to seek advice from these sources. Legal guidance is also available for problems not otherwise resolvable.
If a supervisor is concerned about whether a staff member is meeting the standards of this policy, the supervisor will discuss this with the staff member. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the supervisor will advise the appropriate Vice President. The appropriate Vice President will meet with the staff member to resolve the issue.
IV. Personal Receipt of Gifts and Entertainment
Employees of the University must never request or ask for personal gifts, entertainment or any other business courtesies from people doing business with the University. Unsolicited gifts and business courtesies, including meals and entertainment, are permissible if they are customary and commonly accepted business courtesies; not excessive in value; and given and accepted without an express or implied understanding that obligates the employee or University by the acceptance of the gift. Gifts that are extravagant in value or unusual in nature should not be accepted without written approval from the supervisor of the employee. Both the giver and the recipient of a gift should be guided by the intent as well as the policy. It is the University’s objective to award business to suppliers on the basis of considerations such as quality, service, competitive pricing and technical abilities.
Gifts of cash or cash equivalents, such as gift certificates or cards, in any amount are prohibited and must be returned promptly to the donor.
V. Confidential Nature of University Business
University business is not a subject for outside conversation. The business which crosses an employee’s desk or the information which becomes available through work on campus should be kept from social conversation and cannot be used for professional reasons without the appropriate approval. Violation of this rule will be considered a serious offense and cause for discipline or termination of employment.
In addition, all communication systems (including, without limitation, the E-mail system, cellular phones, facsimile machines, and computers) and all communications and information transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are the property of the University. E-mail which contains confidential or proprietary information of the University should be treated as other confidential and proprietary records, and access to it should be given only to authorized persons. Further, the use of any business software or hardware, including, without limitation, communications systems, copiers or other business equipment, for private purposes is prohibited.
Employees using communications systems for personal purposes do not have a personal privacy right in any matter created, received or sent through that system. The University reserves the right to monitor its communications systems.