Disclosure of Consulting & Outside Activities
Dear Colleagues:
I want to remind faculty of their obligation as Special State Employees (See the Massachusetts Law (Chapter 268A: Conduct of Public Officials and Employees) and the University’s requirements for the approval of outside activities. The University recognizes the value outside activities can be to faculty and University. The submission of faculty consulting and outside activities disclosures is governed by the Faculty Federation Agreement Article VIII. Section M and Board of Trustee Policy, T96-047: Faculty Consulting and Outside Activities.
University employees are entrusted with public resources and are expected to understand their responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and to behave in ways consistent both with law and with University policy. The University permits full-time faculty members to devote the equivalent of one day within the Academic Week to the performance of Outside Activities. The time commitment devoted by any Faculty Member to Outside Activities may not interfere with the faculty member’s professional commitment to the University.
Full-time faculty members (a full-time employee of the University whose principal title is Teaching Faculty (all ranks), Clinical Faculty (all ranks), Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Chancellor/Commonwealth Professor, Research Faculty, or any other University employee whose principal duties consist of teaching and/or conducting academic research) are expected to devote to the University their primary professional loyalty and to direct to the University their time and energy. Full-time faculty are considered “special state employees” under MA General Laws Chapter 268A, as such, they are permitted to engage in limited activities outside of the University during normal working hours, provided such outside activities do not interfere with their primary obligations.
Outside Activities are activities undertaken by a Faculty Member in their area of expertise in association with individuals or entities outside the University (e.g., working as employee or consultant, serving as executive, director, or trustee for a company or organization). Note: Teaching class(es) at another institution requires disclosure. Outside activities exclude short-term academic activities undertaken for professional development, such as seminars/lectures, conferences, scholarly events, or membership on editorial boards.
Section C of the Policy on Faculty Consulting and Outside Activities identifies three areas of prohibited or restricted activities:
- Use of Students or University Resources;
- Activities involving a Conflict of Interest;
- Use of the University Name. Faculty members are ordinarily prohibited from performing Outside Activities that involve the use of University funds, facilities, or equipment.
Use of the University’s name is prohibited (except in describing an individual’s credentials or in accordance with University policy). Outside Activities involving a potential conflict of interest (e.g., use of students) must be disclosed as required by the Board of Trustee Policy, T96-039: Conflict of Interest Relating to Intellectual Property and Commercial Ventures (See also – Faculty Federation Agreement Article VIII Section N).
UMass Dartmouth requires all full-time faculty to disclose involvement in Outside Activities or confirm the lack of involvement in Outside Activities annually. Before the commencement of any Outside Activity, disclose the proposed Outside Activity and obtain written approval issued by the Provost. Ensure to disclose material changes of previously disclosed/approved Outside Activities promptly. To submit a disclosure or revise a previously approved disclosure, please complete the attached form. Email completed forms to disclosure.info@umassd.edu and copy your Dean and Chair. The Provost will review the submission and email determinations to faculty with their respective Dean and Chair copied.
Regards,
Ramprasad Balasubramanian Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs