Your Department, CSU, Chico

Project Director Advisories

11.30.2005 -Foundation Policy on Nepotism

Particularly during this time of year when project work increases, we see a rise in Project Directors and supervisors hiring family members to work on projects. Below are the Foundation and Campus policies on nepotism. The CSU and its auxiliaries are increasingly being scrutinized in areas where conflict of interest may exist. Your understanding is greatly appreciated and can be demonstrated by adhering to these rules. Thank you.

Foundation Statement on Nepotism

The following is a statement of the Foundation’s policy on Nepotism:

“Generally, relatives of employees are ineligible for employment with the Foundation when the individuals involved work in a direct supervisory relationship or in positions where problems may arise regarding potential conflicts of interest, confidentiality, morale, or other serious problems. Exceptions may be made only by the Foundation Personnel Director upon review of the particular circumstances. “Relatives” are defined to include spouses, children, siblings, parents, in-laws and step-relations.”

In addition, the Foundation is also held accountable for following campus policy. Executive Memorandum 02-09, published in March of 2002, addresses the campus position on nepotism. This policy states: “No CSU, Chico employee shall vote, make recommendations, or in any way participate in decisions about any personnel or budgetary matter which may directly affect the selection, appointment, retention, tenure, compensation, promotion, work assignment, termination, other employment status, or interest of a close relative.” “Close relative” is defined to include parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother, system, half-brother, half-sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin as well as husband, wife, domestic partner, step-parent, step-child, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, and by guardianship and/or adoption.

The Foundation recognizes that in rare situations, the professional standing of related individuals causes them to be involved on the same grant and/or contract. In those instances and upon prior review and approval, the Foundation will work with the Project Director to set up supervising/reporting lines that will protect both the individuals and the Foundation. This exception is limited to key personnel on a project. In all other situations, the hiring of close relatives described above will not be permitted.

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