The University is pleased when members of its community are able to make a significant contribution to the wider public community. In offering this encouragement for public service, the University understands that the service is to be rendered in such a way that it is compatible with the responsibilities of the person's employment at the University.

            Public service can entail a significant commitment of time and effort. Even in those cases where the time required is less extensive, the requirements of office may be such that a person is taken away from campus at a time when his/her employment with the University demands his/her presence. Likewise, it is possible that one's responsibilities at the University would relate to matters over which the employee would have influence as an office holder, creating the potential for a significant conflict of interest.

            Because of the potential for conflict between the expectations of one's employment at the University and the seeking or holding of a public office or performance of other forms of extended community service, an employee in this situation is asked to observe the following:

1. Notify his/her supervisor of the requirements of the position and discuss their compatibility with the requirements of his/her employment.  This request should be made in writing, giving particular note to any special work arrangements the person is requesting.

2. If the responsibilities are judged to be compatible, the supervisor will report this fact and any special arrangements or accommodations to be made to the appropriate vice president for final approval.

3. If the responsibilities are judged to be incompatible, this is also reported to the appropriate vice president for review.  If he/she concurs, the employee is advised of any possibilities for requesting a leave from his/her service at the University.  In this case, as in others, extended absence or inability to be present during regularly scheduled work hours can result in disciplinary action.

4. Whatever arrangements are made are summarized by the supervisor of the employee and a copy is placed in the employee's permanent personnel file.