30-13 Honorariums and Gratuities

Policy Description

While acting in their official capacity state employees are prohibited from accepting additional compensation from any group or organization to whom professional services are rendered. For purposes of this section, modest amounts which have historically been awarded to individuals (while acting in their official capacity) in appreciation of help and services provided, such as honorariums, cannot be received by the individual employee. Such amounts can be received by the College, however, and the employee can then be reimbursed under regular state expense procedures. For reimbursement of such expenses there must be prior approval of the President or official designee.

Whether in-state or out-of-state, an employee should not directly accept an honorarium or similar gifts for services rendered on state time or at state expense. Acceptance of gifts from salesmen, vendors, or business organizations wishing to acknowledge or attract favorable relationships must be tactfully refused, whether such gifts are tendered at home or at the office.

Where there are conflicts or inconsistencies between this policy and the Ethics Act of 1991, the provisions of the Ethics Act will take precedence.