|
|
|
|
|
|
The Gift Rules (Webinar Recap) |
|
|
|
Missed our recent Gift Rules webinar - or just want a quick recap? |
When it comes to giving or receiving gifts as a state employee, there are important rules in The State Code of Ethics to keep in mind. UConn’s Chief Compliance Officer and Ethics Liaison, Kimberly Fearney, walked through these guidelines during last week’s lunch-and-learn. Review the key points from the session below. |
|
|
|
|
What are The Gift Rules? |
The Gift Rules are part of The State Code of Ethics, which applies to all state employees. Each of us is personally responsible for following these rules, and they are enforced by both the University and the Office of State Ethics.
There are certain limits on what we may accept as gifts in our capacity as state employees, and who we may accept them from.
Beyond the gift rules, we also follow internal policies - the University Guide to the State Code of Ethics and the Medical Staff: Gifts and Nonmonetary Compensation Policy for UConn Health - that help prevent conflicts of interest. |
|
|
What are the limits? |
You may not accept gifts from:
Vendors/contractors doing or seeking business with UConn Registered lobbyists with the State of Connecticut Contractors pre-qualified by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) If you are offered a gift from someone because of your UConn position, you most likely can accept it as long as the gift-giver is not a prohibited donor, and the total value of gifts received is $100 or less in a calendar year. |
|
|
What is considered a "gift" under The State Code of Ethics? |
Essentially, gifts are anything of value that you receive personally, that you didn't pay for. For example, gifts can be small items, food, beverages, discounts, and tickets. |
|
|
Are there exceptions to The Gift Rules? |
Yes! While there are 19 specific exceptions, you don’t need to memorize them. What matters most is understanding that some gifts can be accepted outside of the limits under certain circumstances. If you’re ever unsure whether an exception applies, check the University Compliance resources or reach out for guidance before accepting the gift. |
|
|
What about gift exchanges between supervisors and subordinates? |
Supervisors and subordinates can exchange gifts. The limit per gift is $100. |
|
|
|
Even when a gesture is well-intended and permissible under the State Code of Ethics, it’s worth remembering: just because something is permissible doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea. How a gift might be perceived - by colleagues, by leadership, or by the public - matters too. |
|
|
|
|
