I. OVERVIEW
In accordance with UC PPSM-82: Conflict of Interest, University employees must not engage in activities that create a conflict between their assigned University functions and any other interest or obligation. Individuals in the service of the University may not use for private purposes any portion of time owed to the University, nor may any outside employment interfere with the performance of University duties.
This procedure outlines the requirements for outside employment and establishes an approval process to ensure such activities do not interfere with University responsibilities or create actual or perceived conflicts of interest or commitment. It applies to Professional & Support Staff (PSS), Managers & Senior Professionals (MSP), and Senior Management Group (SMG) members.
II. DEFINITIONS
- Outside Employment: Any employment, consulting, or other compensated activity performed outside the scope of University employment.
- Conflict of Commitment: A situation in which an employee's outside activities—such as consulting, speaking engagements, or business endeavors—interferes with, or could reasonably appear to interfere with, their University duties.
- Conflict of Interest: A situation in which an employee’s personal interests compromise, or could reasonably appear to compromise, their judgment, decisions, or actions in carrying out their assigned functions or other University duties.
III. OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
Employees may not engage in any activity that creates an actual or perceived conflict of interest with their University duties. For additional guidance, see UC PPSM-82: Conflict of Interest and UC Compendium of Conflict of Interest and Related Policies – Guidance.
Outside employment must not interfere with an employee’s assigned functions or University duties, including, but not limited to, time commitments, work schedules, availability, and overall job performance.
Employees must obtain prior written approval before engaging in outside employment that conflicts with, or could reasonably appear to conflict with, their University duties (see Section IV). Employees already engaged in such outside employment when this procedure takes effect must disclose the activity to their supervisor and department head within 30 calendar days.
University resources, including time, equipment, facilities, and human or financial resources, may not be used for personal purposes, including outside employment.
IV. REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS
- Prior Approval: Staff members must obtain prior written approval from their department before engaging in outside employment that presents, or could reasonably appear to present, a conflict of interest or commitment.
- Review Process: Department heads should consult with Campus Human Resources – Staff Personnel Policy (CHR) if they have questions about whether a conflict of interest exists. CHR will consult with Legal Affairs as needed.
- Annual Reporting: SMG members must report outside professional activities in accordance with applicable laws and Regents Policy 7707: Senior Management Group Outside Professional Activities.
V. COMPLIANCE
Failure to comply with this procedure may result in corrective action, up to and including termination, in accordance with University policies.
VI. REFERENCES
