ETHICS POLICY

Conflicts of Interests: Officers, faculty, and employees (collectively “employees”) of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College may not have a direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, that is in conflict with the proper discharge of their duties. Potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed. 

Adherence to Law: Employees shall adhere to applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies of governmental and institutional authorities. The failure to do so will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Gifts: No employee shall accept or solicit any gift, favor, or service that might reasonably appear to influence the employee in the discharge of duties. 

Note: Making or receiving gifts, including honoraria, may constitute a criminal offense under certain circumstances.

Confidential Information: No employee shall disclose confidential information or use such information for his or her personal benefit.

Self-Dealing: No employee shall transact any business in an official capacity with any business entity of which the employee is an officer, agent, or member, or in which the employee owns a substantial interest. 

Personal Investments: No employee shall make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a conflict between the employee's private interest and the public interest.

Outside Employment: No employee shall accept other outside or dual employment or compensation that could reasonably be expected to impair the employee's independence of judgment in the performance of the employee's public duties.

Note: Outside employment is further limited by other policies, laws, and regulations.

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct: Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment are unacceptable behaviors. Such unacceptable behavior includes verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Incidents of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment should be reported to the office charged with reviewing such complaints where the incident occurred.

The above policy is summarized from Regents' Rules and Regulations.