University of California
Office of the President
July 1, 1995
Policy on Outside Professional Activities
for University Officers and Designated Staff
The opportunity for employees to engage in outside professional activities is a privilege long recognized by the University. Longstanding University policies and practices, including Regents' Standing Orders, have recognized the value of contributions made by University employees to external educational and research institutions, not-for-profit professional associations, State and Federal government, and private sector organizations. Considerable benefit accrues to the University from such service, deriving from association of University leaders with business leaders and the exchange of ideas among them. Such associations are intended to create a broader and deeper understanding and awareness of the University of California and its value to the State and the nation as a provider of education, research, public service, and health care. Such service also provides a stimulus for economic development and enhanced economic competitiveness.
While professional activities outside the University are beneficial and are to be encouraged, the primary commitment of University of California employees shall remain the fulfillment of regular University responsibilities. Outside professional activities shall not be permitted to conflict with the commitment expressed in Regents' Standing Order 103.1(b) which provides that:
Consistent with Regental policy, outside professional activities of University staff members at the executive level, including Officers of the University, shall be subject to the provisions of this Policy.
Permissible outside professional activities include, but are not limited to, service on State or national commissions, government agencies and boards, committees or advisory groups to other universities, organizations established to further the interests of higher education, not-for-profit organizations, and service on corporate boards of directors.
Service on behalf of national commissions, government agencies and boards, advisory groups to other universities, and other nonprofit organizations is encouraged and may be undertaken during regular work time, subject to conditions established in University policy concerning receipt of honoraria and reimbursement for expenses incurred as stated in Section IV. below.
In the case of outside professional activities for which compensation is received, a University employee shall use accrued vacation leave when participating in outside professional services during the regular work week, consistent with personnel policy requirements.
For Officers of the University, Principal Officers of The Regents, Officers of The Regents, and other executives who hold an Academic Senate or other faculty title, outside professional activities shall also be subject to the time limits established in the President's Policy on Outside Employment of Faculty.
Participation in outside professional activities, including service on corporate boards, shall be in accordance with Regents' Standing Order 103.1(b) and shall not interfere with the performance of University duties.
University policies on conflict of interest in conformance with the State of California's Political Reform Act of 1974 are applicable to outside professional activities.
Receipt of honoraria and travel reimbursement for expenses incurred in performing outside professional activities shall be in accordance with existing University policies and procedures, including but not limited to:
Executive Program Policy 8.J.
Academic Personnel Polices 025, 660, and 667
Business and Finance Bulletin: BUS-34
Business and Finance Bulletin: G-28
Accounting Manual D-371.35
Policy and Guidelines Regarding Acceptance of Gifts and Gratuities under California's Political Reform Act
Service for which compensation is received, including membership on a corporate board, shall be approved in advance and in writing by the immediate supervisor of the Officer of the University or staff member.
The Chancellors, Laboratory Directors, and the Senior Vice President--Business and Finance shall submit a report annually to the President, including the following information:
name and title of the Officer of the University or other administrator covered by this Policy and the corporate entity for which service is performed;
the general nature of each professional relationship;
the term of each professional relationship; and
the number of days spent during the fiscal year for such service.
Paid service on a corporate board by Officers of the University shall be reported annually to The Regents.