(Note: OLPM sections on this page may be cited following the format of, for example, "UNH.V.D.1.1". These policies may be amended at any time, do not constitute an employment contract, and are provided here only for ease of reference and without any warranty of accuracy. See OLPM Main Menu for details.)
1. Fast and Impartial Resolution (FAIR) Complaint and Grievance Process
1.1Overview: The Fast and Impartial Resolution (FAIR) procedures represent two distinct but related processes established for the purpose of resolving work-related problems and/or misunderstandings. A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction or concern related to a workplace situation whereas a grievance is a written statement alleging a violation of University, University System or Board of Trustees policy. The FAIR Complaint and Grievance policy is intended to assist with the prompt consideration and resolution of issues brought forth under this policy.
1.2 Common Attributes of FAIR
1.2.1 Eligibility: A complaint or grievance may be filed by any status faculty or staff member who is not part of a bargaining unit or an Executive Officer. Staff members in the initial introductory period of employment are excluded from using the grievance procedure to appeal termination of employment for inability to meet the requirements of the position.
1.2.2ٱھԾپDz:
1.2.2.1 A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction or concern related to a workplace situation. It does not encompass appeals to administrative processes such as classification, salary increases, issues of merit, nor does it apply to discrimination, harassment or termination of employment, as other processes are available for such issues. A complaint may be filed with Human Resources to address inappropriate workplace behavior, whether by verbal or physical behavior or electronic means, which is conducted by one or more persons against another or others that is harmful or inhibits their accomplishment of work or inclusion as members of the university community. It may include abuse of power. These behaviors may result in disciplinary actions, including termination. Examples of such conduct, which may, if continued or repeated, constitute inappropriate workplace behavior may include, but are not limited to:
- Spreading rumors, hurtful gossip or innuendo
- Yelling, public reprimands, name-calling, mocking, insulting or ridiculing
- Unwanted physical contact or physical gestures that intimidate or threaten
- Taking credit for another’s work
- Withholding information and/or resources essential to perform one’s job
- Ignoring a coworker such that the coworker is unable to perform their job
- Ostracism, isolation, humiliation, dissociation or exclusion from others
1.2.2.2 A grievance is a written statement alleging a violation of University, University System or Board of Trustees policy. The grievance procedure shall not be used to review the substantive merits of an administrative judgment, evaluation, or other discretionary act of decision, except as may be necessary when a violation of a nondiscrimination policy is alleged.
1.2.3 Time Requirements: Employees shall complete a FAIR Notice Form and file it with Human Resources by 4:30 p.m. of the 10th calendar day from the day on which the employee became aware of the action which caused the complaint or the alleged policy violation. Human Resources shall acknowledge receipt of a complaint or grievance within 5 work days.
1.2.4 Employee Rights: The filing of a complaint or grievance shall not affect the employee's rights to seek any remedy which may be available in an external forum and does not postpone any deadlines for pursuing such remedies.
1.2.5Third Party: The employee may be assisted by a third party that is a status employee of the University and not an attorney.
1.2.6 Witnesses: The employee may invite participation of witnesses who have direct knowledge or have participated in the issue. Participation of character witnesses is usually not appropriate in this process.
1.2.7 Coordination: Human Resources will coordinate the FAIR process and act as a resource to all parties involved.
1.2.8Records: The documentation resulting from the formal process, including each step of the grievance process, shall be kept in confidential Human Resources files, separate from the employee's personnel file. Such files will be kept for at least three years after the termination or retirement of the employee.
1.2.9 Remedies: Any complaint remedy, which conforms to the intent of the policy and has been reviewed by Human Resources, is possible. Grievance remedies are limited to those necessary to bring the grieved action into compliance with the violated policy.
1.3Step I FAIR Process
1.3.1 Employees should first meet with their supervisor or the individual with whom they have a complaint and try to resolve the issue informally. If the issue remains unresolved, or if the employee believes it is inappropriate to address the complaint informally, he/she should contact Human Resources.
1.3.2 Human Resources will consider the nature of the issue and provide information and guidance on FAIR options. The University encourages the use of the facilitation option to resolve issues. The facilitation meeting brings together the people involved in the complaint in a neutral environment and seeks a mutually agreed upon resolution. Other options include, but are not limited to, discussion with supervisor, investigation of the facts and mediation.
1.3.3Human Resources will seek to implement the option selected by the employee within five calendar days of receiving the completed FAIR Notice Form within the established time frame stated in UNH V.D.1.2.3. Completion of the FAIR Notice Form helps to define the issue or issues of concern to the employee and facilitates communication between those involved with the complaint or grievance.
1.3.4Human Resources will act as a resource to all parties involved. This assistance may include providing mediation, conflict resolution services, information gathering, document collection, copying, release time for witnesses, or other assistance deemed appropriate.
1.3.5 All meetings, as part of this procedure, shall be non-adversarial, and all parties will extend serious consideration to the views of all involved in an attempt to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Resolution will be in written form, non-precedent setting and as confidential as appropriate to the circumstances as determined by the University.
1.3.6 If the issue remains unresolved at the end of Step I, it may proceed to Step II if Human Resources determines that the issue is grievable and the employee decides to continue the process. Human Resources will notify the employee of the option to proceed to Step II and the time requirements to do so.
1.4 Step II FAIR Process
1.4.1The Step II process is available to employees who are grieving termination, continuing their complaint after completion of Step I, or grieving through the harassment policy. Identifying the harassment policy will first be forwarded to the Affirmative Action and Equity Office for a preliminary investigation and those results will be submitted into any grievance hearing. The employee may continue complaint to Step II, or grievance of termination of employment with written notification to Human Resources. A FAIR notice form for Step II must be completed by the employee and must be received by 4:30 p.m. of the fifth calendar day after the end of Step I. Time requirements for termination of employment are as stated in UNH V.D.1.2.3.
1.4.2 The Step II grievance will be heard by a Peer Review Panel unless the employee requests that the President (or President's designee) hear the grievance directly and the President agrees to the request. The employee can indicate their preference for who hears the grievance on the FAIR form or communicate it to Human Resources within 5 days of submitting the form. If the employee requests a hearing by the President and the President agrees to the request, he/she will notify the employee.
1.4.3Hearing: The Step II hearing will be scheduled within 10 calendar days from receipt of the employee's completed FAIR notice form unless there are unavoidable delays approved by Human Resources or agreed to by mutual consent of the grievant and the University.
1.4.4President/Designee: The employee will present the grievance directly to the President or designee who will in turn determine the hearing procedures, time limits and overall format. If hearing the grievance directly, the President's decision is final.
1.4.5Peer Review Panel: The Peer Review Panel consists of three status University employees, one of whom may be the same occupational type as the grievant, and one may be the same occupational type as the respondent. Each party to the grievance may waive the occupational type option for themselves. If the respondent is an Executive Officer or Academic Administrator, the panel member need only have a supervisory responsibility.
1.4.5.1 The Peer Review Panel will be chosen from a list of employees administered by Human Resources. Human Resources oversees the hearing procedures including, but not limited to, training the panel, method of hearing witnesses, time limits and overall format.
1.4.5.2 The Peer Review Panel will determine whether or not a policy violation occurred.
1.4.5.3 Within five calendar days of hearing the grievance, the panel will make a recommendation to the President. The decision will be by majority vote.
1.5 Decision of the President. When the President has not personally heard the grievance, the President shall receive the recommendation of the Peer Review Panel or designee and make a decision on the employee grievance. The President may accept or reject the recommendation in whole or in part or request additional information. Normally within five calendar days of the President receiving the recommendation or hearing the grievance, the President will make a decision and notify the grievant and other parties involved of the decision. The President's decision is final.
1.5.1 Exception. If the President is named as a party in a grievance see USY V.D.12.4.1.7.1.
1.6An employee who is grieving a termination may be placed on leave of absence without pay during the time involved in processing the grievance if necessary time exceeds notice period. Under such circumstances, ̾Ƶ shall continue its benefits contributions for up to ninety (90) days for a member of the Operating Staff and for up to one hundred and twenty (120) days for a member of the PAT, Extension Educator or Academic Administrator unless otherwise stated by collective bargaining contract or Faculty Handbook. Normal notice periods shall apply in cases of termination. See USY V.C.9.8.5.
3.Safety
3.5 Excessive heat guidelines. When it has been determined by the UNH Department of Environmental Health and Safety that the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature has exceeded the Permissible Heat Exposure Threshold Limit Value (TLV), the Director of EHS will inform the President or his/her designee, and the following guidelines will be in effect. All faculty, staff, students and guests attending University of New Hampshire sponsored camps and/or other outdoor activities as well as those sponsoring such programs are advised to use caution.
3.5.1 Outdoor activities. Activity should be modified to either be inside or in a shaded area, and schedules may also be modified. If this is not possible, staff and others should be required to take frequent breaks and remain well hydrated. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has made the following recommendations: For activity requiring heavy or moderate exertion individuals should be on a 25% work/75% rest regimen each hour and for work requiring light exertion individuals should be on a 50% work/50% rest regimen each hour.
3.5.2 Indoor activities. For staff and others active in areas without air conditioning, the temperature and humidity in individual offices will vary as will individual tolerances for heat. Supervisors may consider relocation to an air conditioned area if available such as Dimond Library; staff may work from home if practical or may be released for the remainder of the day.
3.5.3 General information. In both of the above instances supervisors are free and encouraged to send staff home with pay if their work environment has reached intolerable and unhealthy levels due to excessive heat. Staff will not be required to use leave time/earned time in this instance.
3.5.3.1 If excessive heat is declared, it will be communicated through the UNH Alert System.
4.UNH Tobacco-,Smoke-, & Nicotine-Free Policy
4.1 Preamble. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) joins with the American College Health Association (ACHA) and more than 2000 institutions of higher education in supporting the findings of the Surgeon General that tobacco use in any form, active and passive, is a significant health hazard. UNH further recognizes that environmental tobacco has been classified as a Group A carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Considering these health risks, UNH hereby adopts a tobacco policy that is committed to a tobacco, smoking, and nicotine-free campus and prevention, reduction, and cessation actions as they pertain to tobacco, smoking, and nicotine (TSN) use issues.
UNH supports the health goals of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) to reduce the proportion of adults who consume TSN products, and to positively influence our community by helping people remain or become TSN-free. Efforts to promote a TSN-free environment have led to substantial reductions in the number of people who consume these products, the amount of these products consumed, and the number of people exposed to environmental harms associated with use. At the same time, the simple message of “smoke-free” can sometimes be misinterpreted to mean “smoker-free” or “anti-smoker.” Our intent is to institute a policy that respects the rights of people who smoke and who do not. We acknowledge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics that an estimated 32 million people who smoke (about 70% of all people who smoke) report that they want to quit smoking completely. We recognize that the implementation of a 100% TSN-free policy will have an immediate effect on our campuses, and therefore have included prevention, education, and cessation initiatives to support the non-use of tobacco products.
4.2 Policy. In order to protect the health, safety and comfort of University students, faculty and other academic appointees, staff, and visitors, and consistent with state law (RSA 155:64-77), the University of New Hampshire is committed to a policy of prohibiting the use of tobacco products, including, but not limited to: cigarettes (clove cigarettes, bidis, kreteks), electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS, vaping), cigars and cigarillos, hookah-smoked products or any lighted or heated tobacco and nicotine products, and non-combustible tobacco products (dip, chew, tobacco substitutes) in facilities and on grounds owned and occupied or leased and occupied by the University (including UNH Manchester & UNH Law). In addition, UNH supports education programs to provide prevention and cessation initiatives to our students, faculty and other academic appointees and staff. This policy supersedes all other TSN policies at UNH.
4.2.1 Definitions
4.2.1.1 “Tobacco Product” means any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco; and any product or formulation of matter containing biologically active amounts of nicotine that is manufactured, sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed with the expectation that the product or matter will be introduced into the human body by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption; but does not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.
4.2.1.2 “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including cannabis (recreational and medicinal), whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.
4.2.1.3 “Electronic Smoking Device” means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.
4.2.1.4 “Tobacco Substitutes” means nicotine pods and juices, electronic cigarettes or other electronic or battery-powered devices that contain and are designed to deliver nicotine or other substances into the body through the inhalation of vapor and that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for tobacco cessation or other medical purposes. Products that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for tobacco cessation or other medical purposes shall not be considered tobacco substitutes as defined in this Article.
4.2.1.5 “Hookah” means a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes, smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other plant matter.
4.3Procedures
4.3.1 Education
4.3.1.1 The UNH TSN policy shall be included in the new employee and student orientation program, in the Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities, Room & Board Agreement, in admissions application materials and other campus documents where appropriate.
4.3.1.2 UNH encourages employees and students not to use tobacco products by offering educational information and providing information about TSN cessation resources offered through university departments or offices, health care providers, nonprofit organizations, or other groups.
4.3.1.3 UNH Health & Wellness, Living Well Services, will provide prevention and cessation programs to students upon request and offer other prevention and education initiatives that support non-use and address the risks of exposure to second and thirdhand exposure.
4.3.1.4 ̾Ƶ health and wellness programs and services will offer prevention and cessation programs to faculty and staff.
4.4Affected Areas of the Tobacco, Smoke, and Nicotine-Free Policy
The TSN-Free policy applies to all University of New Hampshire facilities, property, and vehicles, owned, or leased, regardless of location. Smoking and the use of tobacco products shall be prohibited in any enclosed place, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues and private residential space within UNH housing. TSN products shall also be prohibited outdoors on all UNH campus property, including, but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums, as well as in all personal vehicles while on campus. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose for their visit.
4.5 Sales and Marketing
4.5.1 Advertisement of all tobacco products or their use shall be prohibited in all University of New Hampshire publications and on all University owned, occupied, or leased properties.
4.5.2 Any sale or free sampling of tobacco products on campus shall be prohibited.
4.6Implementation
The cultivation of a TSN-Free public health environment is a social process that cultivates shared public health norms over time. This policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of individuals who consume tobacco products and those who do not. All members of the UNH community, including visitors, are asked to observe this policy that begins and remains centered on communication, education, and cessation as the community adapts to the policy.
4.7 Compliance
The policy will operate through educational communication and the cultivating of public health norms within a community-inclusive framework with the primary goal of voluntary compliance. Implementation focuses on communication, education, and cessation as the community adapts to the policy over time. The Tobacco, Smoke, Nicotine-Free Task Force will work with campus stakeholders in an ongoing way to address compliance. Oversight is the shared responsibility of all UNH community members who are expected to execute that responsibility in good faith.
7. Conflict of Interest and Commitment1 Spanish version
7.1 Preamble
7.1.1 University of New Hampshire (UNH) faculty, extension educators, and staff are encouraged to participate in external activities as a means of improving not only their own competence and prestige, but the prestige of UNH as well. These activities also provide external organizations, institutions, corporations, and industries with expertise and resources that might not otherwise be available to them.
7.1.2While engaging in these activities, faculty, extension educators, and staff have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial, and other conflicts of interest and commitment to ensure that their outside activities and interests do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at UNH and that they do not misuse UNH resources.
7.1.3This policy is intended to establish guidelines for UNH faculty, extension educators, and staff for recognizing and managing conflicts of interest and commitment, and whenever possible, to prevent even the appearance of a conflict. Financial conflicts of interest in research are addressed by the UNH policies on financial conflict of interest in research2
7.2Definitions
7.2.1 Conflict of Commitment: When time or effort devoted to external activities by faculty, extension educators, or staff interferes with fulfillment of their assigned UNH responsibilities.
7.2.2Conflict of Interest: When professional actions or decisions are determined by personal considerations, financial or otherwise. It also includes unauthorized use or misuse of UNH resources in the course of an external activity.
7.2.3 External Activity: Involvement by an employee with any person, trust, organization, enterprise, government agency, or other entity not a part of UNH. This definition of external activity does not include activities to which faculty, extension educators, or staff have been assigned by UNH, such as appointment to an external board or committee or license maintenance requirements.
7.2.4UNH Resources: These include, but are not limited to: facilities, personnel (including students and postdoctoral scholars), equipment, supplies, letterhead, name, services, information, and information technology including the UNH network.
7.2.5 UNH Responsibilities: Responsibilities of faculty, extension educators, and staff to perform UNH activities as defined by UNH management, contract, or collective bargaining agreement.
7.3 Statements of the Policy
7.3.1UNH faculty, extension educators, and staff must carry out their responsibilities in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
7.3.2UNH faculty, extension educators, and staff shall commit their time and effort to fulfilling responsibilities described in their appointment letter/position description during the time that UNH is compensating them for such duties, and shall use UNH resources only in the interest of UNH.
7.3.3UNH faculty, extension educators, and staff must be sensitive to the potential for conflict of interest and commitment when engaging in external activities. The fact that UNH is a public institution must always be kept in mind.
7.3.4UNH faculty, extension educators, and staff may not commit UNH resources to external activities without prior approval of the institution.
7.4 Roles
7.4.1Faculty
7.4.1.1 The faculty member is responsible for avoiding conflict with his/her UNH obligations and UNH and ̾Ƶ policies.
7.4.1.2 Any full-time faculty member may engage in compensated external activities, and is encouraged to do so, to the extent that the activities involve the faculty member's professional expertise, further the status of his or her profession, and contribute to his or her own professional competence. All such activities should meet the criteria of balance, appropriateness, and the avoidance of conflict of interest and commitment.
7.4.1.2.1 The activities should sustain or improve the faculty member's professional prestige.
7.4.1.2.2The activities should be within the professional competence of the faculty member.
7.4.1.2.3 On average, the total commitment to the activities must not exceed a time equivalent of one day during each five-day academic week during the appointment period unless specifically authorized by 7.4.1.2.4.
7.4.1.2.4 If such activities are expected to require more time in a given situation, arrangements must be made in advance with the department chairperson and/or dean.
7.4.1.2.5The academic administrator of the college, through the chairperson of the faculty member's department, must be informed of the activities. Agreement should be reached between the chairperson and faculty member that the activities satisfy (7.4.1.2.3 and 7.4.1.2.4 above). When required, the confidentiality of a client will be honored.
7.4.1.3 Some faculty are involved with outside entities, including spin-off companies, in which they have a financial interest, such as through salary, consulting fees, honoraria, equity, or intellectual property2. In such situations, faculty must:
7.4.1.3.1 Keep the external activities separate and distinct from their UNH responsibilities.
7.4.1.3.2 Avoid direct academic oversight of UNH students or UNH postdoctoral scholars hired to work in the outside entity.
7.4.1.3.3 Only use UNH resources for the benefit of the outside entity when that use is covered by a formal, written agreement.
7.4.1.4 Faculty may also engage in uncompensated external activities.
7.4.1.4.1 It is understood that faculty regularly engage in normally uncompensated external activities such as holding office in a scholarly or professional organization or editorial office, performing duties for a learned journal, writing books or articles, attending professional meetings, colloquia, symposia, site visits, and similar gatherings, and the ad hoc refereeing of manuscripts. These scholarly activities advance the mission of UNH by facilitating the development and dissemination of knowledge. All such activities should meet the criteria of balance, appropriateness, and the avoidance of conflict of interest and commitment.
7.4.1.4.2 Further, faculty may engage in uncompensated external activities that are not related to their UNH position. Such duties and activities are not specifically governed by this policy and do not require notice or approval, but should meet the criteria of appropriateness and the avoidance of conflict of interest and commitment.
7.4.1.5 External activities of part-time faculty and lecturers. At the time of and during employment at UNH, part-time faculty must not engage in activities that interfere with their UNH responsibilities, conflict with either UNH or ̾Ƶ policies, abuse the association with UNH for personal financial gain, or bring discredit on UNH.
7.4.2Cooperative Extension
7.4.2.1 The nature of Cooperative Extension work requires considerable direct public contact and Cooperative Extension employees are generally viewed as one of the primary educational outreach components of the institution. Based on this role, it is critical that Cooperative Extension employees be particularly sensitive to potential conflicts of interest and commitment. The Cooperative Extension Dean and Director is responsible for administering policy in this area.
7.4.2.2Consulting. Cooperative Extension employees should not engage in contract services or consulting activities where personal gain is substituted for normal Cooperative Extension obligations consistent with his/her job description. In addition to UNH consulting policies, Extension employees must abide by the following guidelines:
7.4.2.2.1 Cooperative Extension employees are to obtain advance approval of the Dean and Director or his/her designees for consulting activities.
7.4.2.2.2 Consulting in the areas of an employee's job responsibility is not permitted within the state.
7.4.2.2.3 Consulting should be allowed to occur within the state if it is not part of the employee's UNH responsibilities, and is not normally provided through UNH Cooperative Extension or other UNH component.
7.4.2.2.4Each Cooperative Extension employee must ensure that consulting is done by him/herself as a private citizen and not as a Cooperative Extension employee. This includes avoidance of the use of his/her official position in media solicitations for commercial or group activities, such as overseas tours, etc.
7.4.2.2.5 UNH's name, facilities, materials, supplies, etc. cannot be used without prearranged approval of the appropriate department chairperson, dean, or director, and arranging for payment of the total cost for such use. Such prior approval is not necessary, however, when the facilities, supplies, materials, equipment, and services are generally available to University System faculty and staff members upon the payment of an established fee.
7.4.2.2.6Each Cooperative Extension employee must ensure that the consulting is done on his/her own time and accomplished without interference with assigned duties.
7.4.2.2.7UNH faculty who have a joint appointment with Cooperative Extension may be able to consult (for a fee) within the state as long as the consulting activity is not in conflict with the faculty member's Extension responsibilities.
7.4.2.3 Review (Appeal) Process. In the event a Cooperative Extension employee disagrees with the Cooperative Extension Administration decision, the employee may request the decision be reviewed by a board of peers which should include Cooperative Extension employees who are similarly affected by these guidelines.
7.4.2.4Private sector support for Cooperative Extension Activities. Each employee must exercise extreme caution and sound professional judgment when identifying any product, service, or program brand name while performing the responsibilities of their Cooperative Extension appointment. As a general rule, promoting or endorsing brands of commercial products is prohibited.
7.4.2.4.1 Cooperative Extension employees are required to be objective in dealing with topics that are controversial or an issue of public debate, and employees have a responsibility to provide the facts of the issue equally to all interested members of the public regardless of their views concerning the issue. Employees primarily involved with one client group are governed by the same requirements of objectivity as those with varied clientele.
7.4.2.4.2 Outside monies from the private sector may support the major programs and objectives of Cooperative Extension. An organization's contributions may be recognized, but acknowledgment of acceptance of support is not an endorsement of the contributor's products/services by UNH. Educational foundations may be used as a method of receiving private funds rather than by direct transfer.
7.4.2.4.3If it appears there may be a potential conflict regarding private sector support, the employee must seek clarification from the Dean and Director or his/her designee.
7.4.2.5 Ownership or operation of a personal/private business. Cooperative Extension employees may occasionally own or operate a business. This may or may not present a potential conflict of interest with the employee's Cooperative Extension appointment. Approval of the Dean and Director or his/her designee is required for all outside employment/business ventures.
7.4.2.5.1The employee must inform the Dean and Director or his/her designee regarding the time commitment to manage, operate, or be involved in such a business. If appreciable time is required away from the employee's Extension job, suitable arrangements must be made (i.e., time arrangements, business divestiture, or employee termination). The arrangements must ensure that time spent on such business is during the employee's personal time (i.e., vacation or other approved leave). The employee's business cannot unfairly compete with similar private businesses. Approval cannot be granted if the employee has an unfair advantage over private business because of knowledge gained as a result of Cooperative Extension employment.
7.4.2.5.2 Buying, selling, and/or trading in commodities and related contracts. Employees may become involved in trading commodities or contracts closely related to their Cooperative Extension appointments. When this occurs, the employee must inform the Dean and Director or his/her designee, who will determine whether the employee's involvement presents unfair competition to others trading such commodities. If the activity appears to conflict with the employee's job time or job assignment, the approval of the Director or his/her designee is required before further activity is undertaken. Personal investing (stocks and bond, etc.) would not normally fall into this category, unless the activity required too great a time commitment away from work.
7.4.3 Executive Officers, Academic Administrators, and Professional, Administrative, and Technical (PAT) Staff
7.4.3.1 External activities include work for a non-UNH entity for which staff members receive remuneration other than their UNH salary.
7.4.3.2 When these external activities involve a staff member's professional expertise, further and contribute to the development of his/her own profession, and contribute to the development of his/her own professional competence, these activities are permitted.
7.4.3.2.1The staff member's immediate supervisor must be made aware of such activities, and the activities must not interfere with the staff member's UNH obligations and must not involve duplication of payment by UNH for the staff member's responsibilities.
7.4.3.2.2 If it appears there may be a potential conflict of interest or commitment regarding a proposed external activity, the staff member must seek clarification from his/her supervisor.
7.4.3.2.3 If a staff member wishes to engage in outside activity to such an extent that the employee cannot fulfill his/her UNH obligations to the satisfaction of their supervisor, he/she shall request a reduction in his/her percentage of appointment. Such requests will be considered in relation to the demands of the staff member's position. Other alternatives, such as professional development leaves, may also be appropriate.
7.4.3.3 When these external activities are not related to a staff member's responsibilities for which he/she receives salary from UNH, these activities are permitted as long as the activities do not interfere with the staff member's UNH obligations. Such activities should meet the criteria of balance, appropriateness, and the avoidance of conflict of interest and commitment. If these criteria are met, unrelated external activities do not require notice or approval of the employee's supervisor.
7.4.3.4 Staff may also engage in uncompensated external activities.
7.4.3.4.1 It is understood that staff regularly engage in normally unpaid activities related to their UNH position such as holding office in a scholarly or professional organization or editorial office, performing duties for a learned journal, writing books or articles, attending professional meetings, colloquia, symposia, site visits, and similar gatherings, and the ad hoc refereeing of manuscripts. These scholarly activities further the mission of UNH by facilitating the development and dissemination of knowledge. Such activities should meet the criteria of balance, appropriateness, and the avoidance of conflict of interest and commitment. If these criteria are met, uncompensated related external activities do not require notice or approval of the employee's supervisor.
7.4.3.4.2 Further, staff may engage in uncompensated external activities that are not related to their UNH position. Such duties and activities are not specifically governed by this policy and do not require notice or approval, but should meet the criteria of appropriateness and the avoidance of conflict of interest and commitment.
7.4.4Operating Staff
7.4.4.1 This policy is intended to establish guidelines for external activity by Operating Staff members. Such activity includes:
7.4.4.1.1 Work for a non-UNH entity for which staff members receive remuneration other than their UNH salary.
7.4.4.1.2 Normally unpaid activities, such as holding office in a professional organization, attending professional meetings and conferences, or serving as a representative of the institution.
7.4.4.2 Operating Staff members may carry out such activities to the extent that the activities do not interfere with their primary UNH responsibilities, and do not involve conflicts of interest.
7.4.4.3If it appears there may be a potential conflict of interest or commitment regarding a proposed external activity, the Operating Staff member must seek clarification from his/her supervisor.
7.5Use of UNH Resources
7.5.1Faculty, extension educators, and staff shall not use UNH facilities, supplies, materials, equipment, or services for external activities, without first obtaining approval of the appropriate department chairperson, dean, or director, and arranging for the payment of the total cost of such use. Such prior approval is not necessary, however, when the facilities, supplies, materials, equipment, and services are generally available to UNH faculty, extension educators, and staff upon the payment of an established fee.
7.5.2The UNH name may be used in connection with external activities where necessary to identify the faculty/staff member or extension educator, but may not be used to imply that UNH officially supports, endorses, ensures or guarantees the results of the external activity. When the potential for confusion about official endorsement exists, an appropriate disclaimer should be used, such as "This report was written by ______________________ in his/her private capacity. No official support or endorsement by the University of New Hampshire is intended or should be inferred."
7.6 Supply of Goods and Services
7.6.1 Faculty, extension educators, or staff who would benefit financially from the supplying of goods or services to UNH by any prospective supplier may not participate in the decision process leading to the choice of supplier.
7.6.2 Faculty, extension educators, or staff who have or who reasonably anticipate having either an ownership interest, a significant executive position in, or a consulting or other remunerative relationship with a prospective supplier may not participate in the recommendation of, drafting of specifications for, or the decision to purchase the goods or services involved.
7.6.3Faculty, extension educators, or staff who know that a member of their family (or any person with whom they have a personal or financial relationship) has an ownership interest or a significant executive position in a prospective supplier are also disqualified from participating in the process of purchasing goods and services.
7.6.4 Faculty, extension educators, or staff whose sole ownership interest in a potential supplier is held by a fiduciary that has the power to acquire or dispose of the interest without consultation with the faculty/staff member or extension educator are not disqualified from participation in the purchase decision.
7.6.5When a faculty/staff member or extension educator is disqualified from participating in a procurement decision, the fact of the disqualification and the reason for it must be reported to those involved in the decision. If necessary, a substitute may take the individual’s place under procedures established by the appropriate administrative official.
7.7 Appropriation of Institutional Services or Business Opportunities
7.7.1 As part of its mission of public education, UNH may become involved in activities that may be competitive in nature. In areas where UNH is providing goods or services that are also available outside UNH, faculty, extension educators, staff, and administrators are prohibited from appropriating business opportunities from UNH.
7.7.2 Appropriation in this context means: to take or make use of without authority or right and is intended to prohibit the taking, through use of the UNH name, equipment, facilities or supplies, or by action of a faculty/staff member, administrator, or extension educator of those service or business opportunities that ordinarily would have been contracted or supplied by UNH, except in areas of business or service where no specific advantage is gained by virtue of one's employment duties or responsibilities.
1This policy is based on the ̾Ƶ Conflict of Interest policy (USY V.D.7)
2For financial conflicts of interest in research, see the UNH policies at UNH VIII.E and UNH VIII.T.
