Introduction
Guiding USG Policy
Definitions
Procedures
Exclusions
Request Form

VSU believes that its educational program and effective teaching in all its aspects can flourish only when sustained by continuous, active participation of its faculty and staff in research, enriched in many cases by interaction with industry, business, government, and other activities and institutions of our society. This interaction, including outside consulting, is of greatest value when it contributes significantly to the public welfare, offers an opportunity for professional challenge and growth, or otherwise enhances the effectiveness of an employee's service to the institution.

Faculty and staff members shall make known to their department head, director, and/or academic dean the prospect of each continuing engagement, including, at a minimum, all engagements expected to extend for a substantial portion of an academic term. Employees should decide to enter a relationship only if, after discussion with their supervisor, there is concurrence that the proposed engagement will not conflict with the employee's professional obligations to VSU. VSU employees owe their primary professional allegiance to the University, and their primary commitment of time and intellectual energies should be to the education, research and scholarship programs of the institution. VSU's name, facilities, equipment and/or other resources are to be used solely for the furtherance of VSU goals and not for the benefit of, or to imply VSU's support of, non-VSU activities.

Guiding USG Policy

All employees requesting to participate in outside employment must read Board of Regents Policy 8.2.18.2 Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment.

Definitions

Conflict of interest occurs when employees are in a position to influence a decision on a policy or purchases where they might directly or indirectly receive a financial benefit or give improper advantage to associates.

Conflict of commitment occurs when the time devoted to external activities or consulting interferes with a faculty or professional staff member's responsibilities to perform assigned duties, teach, conduct research, and to meet obligations to students, colleagues, and the university.

Procedures

Faculty or staff members desiring to engage in outside employment or practice of profession should complete this online form, print it, and submit it for approval to his or her direct supervisor at least 30 days prior to the activity's start date for permission to engage in outside activities/consulting private consulting activities other than the traditional functions in professional, scholarly, or honor societies. The formal application must be approved by the faculty or staff member's Department Head and Dean or Director, the appropriate Vice President/Provost, and a Review Committee. Copies of approved applications shall be maintained in the department and in the individual’s personnel file in the Office of Human Resources.

Exclusions

Do not use this form:

  • if the external activity is a non-consulting job used for extra employment opportunities where the employee's primary skills and responsibilities as utilized by Valdosta State University are not required and when the work is outside the normal work day (i.e., second job at night or on weekends), or
  • to request to teach through eCore, or
  • to request to work for another USG institution (use USG Dual Appointment Agreement).

Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the President or his/her designee upon recommendations from the Department Head/Director, Dean, Vice President/Provost, and Review Committee.

Request Form

Request Form (PDF). After completing this form, print, sign, and route to your immediate supervisor.