Compilation of Applicable Laws, University Regulations and University Policies
Florida International University demonstrates its commitment to compliance with laws and the ethical conduct of its academic, athletic, community, and research endeavors through the acts of its dedicated faculty and staff.
The following chart is not a comprehensive recitation of all applicable laws, University regulations, and University policies; instead, it sets forth some of the most basic expectations that reflect the University’s commitment.
Topic
Scope
Link
Code of Conduct for Public Officers and Employees, State of Florida, Part III, Chapter 112,
Florida Statutes
It is essential to the proper conduct and operation of government that public officials be independent and impartial and that public office not be used for personal benefit or gain.
Any University employee with a potential or actual conflict of interest in relation to a research project or a sub-award or consulting agreement on a sponsored project must report such potential or actual conflict of interest to the University for review.
To provide regulatory guidance for a drug-free workplace that applies to all employees, including full-time, part-time, temporary faculty, staff and student employees, and to provide opportunities and information for rehabilitation and assistance for employees with drug related work problems, in accordance with federal requirements.
Also, to provide for compliance with federal law requiring a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
Florida International University shall protect the environment by a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and stewardship that will be reflected in its teaching, research operations and community related activities.
Florida International University employees who are engaged in purchasing on behalf of the University have a responsibility and duty to process such purchases in compliance with the highest ethical standards and must conduct business dealings in an unbiased manner that is above reproach in all respects.
FIU employees must not accept or solicit anything of value if it might be perceived as influencing their official actions.
Florida International University employees are governed by the provisions of the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, Part III of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes (the “Code.”)
The Code limits the ability of certain University employees, referred to as procurement employees and reporting individuals, to solicit or receive personal gifts from lobbyists to the University.
All employees of Florida International University who are humanitarian workers are subject to this Code of Conduct, which protects beneficiaries of humanitarian relief operations from sexual exploitation and abuse.
In order to fulfill the mission of teaching, research and public service, the University is committed to providing a secure computing and networking environment that assures the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information and information resources.
Relationship to another individual employed by the University shall not constitute a bar to hiring, promotion or reappointment, provided that no employee shall be under the direct or indirect supervision or control of a related individual.
Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Complaint Procedures
Discrimination and harassment are forms of conduct which shall result in disciplinary or other action as provided by the regulations/policies of the University.
It shall be a violation of this regulation for any member of the University community to discriminate against or harass any member of the University community or applicant.
This regulation establishes procedures for an applicant or a member of the University community to file a complaint of alleged discrimination or harassment.
Prohibited Use of Federal/State Funds for Lobbying
The recipient of a federal contract, grant, loan or cooperative agreement may not use these federal funds for lobbying activities related to the award of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
Similarly, under Florida law, the University may not use public funds to retain a lobbyist EXCEPT if the individual is a full-time employee and he/she is registered as a lobbyist.
In addition, to the extent the University engages in lobbying efforts and interacts with members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials, FIU must comply with the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (HLOGA).
Specifically, these federal laws require FIU to report “all lobbying contacts” made on behalf of FIU with “covered federal officials” and to disclose certain expenditures relating thereto.
The University is committed to providing all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, vendors, visitors or others, with an environment where they can work, study and interact free from any form of sexual harassment.
The Board of Governors of the State University System recognizes that ensuring the integrity of the student financial aid process is critical to providing fair and affordable access to higher education in Florida.
Therefore, the Board has formalized guiding principles that are designed to avoid any potential for a conflict of interest between the University, its students, or their parents in the student financial aid process.
It is the intent of the Legislature to prevent agencies or independent contractors from taking retaliatory action against an employee who reports to an appropriate agency violations of law on the part of a public employer or independent contractor that create a substantial and specific danger to the public's health, safety, or welfare.
It is further the intent of the Legislature to prevent agencies or independent contractors from taking retaliatory action against any person who discloses information to an appropriate agency alleging improper use of governmental office, gross waste of funds, or any other abuse or gross neglect of duty on the part of an agency, public officer, or employee.
