ETHICS AT CUNY
Gifts and Conflicts
Council of Presidents
June 6, 2007
CUNY Office of the General Counsel
Jane Sovern, Deputy General Counsel
Jeanette Woloszyn, Assistant General Counsel
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ISSUES COVERED
1. Gifts
2. Honoraria
3. Conflict of Interest
4. Political/Fund-Raising Activities
5. Financial Disclosure
Office of the General Counsel
June 6, 2007
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THEMES
1. If in doubt, do without.
2. Report problems early.
3. Consult with Office of General Counsel or
your campus Ethics Officer.
Office of the General Counsel
June 6, 2007
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BASIC FACTS
1.
New York State Public Employees Ethics Reform Act/Public
Officers Law applies to all CUNY employees. For purposes of this
Law all CUNY employees are “State” employees, including
community college employees.
2.
State Ethics Commission:
a.
Power to investigate and impose fines now up to $40,000
per offense
b. May refer to prosecutors for criminal proceedings
c.
Issues advisory opinions
d.
Financial disclosure statements are filed with
Office of the General Counsel
June 6, 2007
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BASIC FACTS
3.
Commission on Public Integrity: New entity created by Public
Employees Ethics Reform Act. Takes the place of the former
Lobbying Commission. This Commission has been empowered to
receive complaints alleging violations of the Civil Service Law
Section 107, also known as the “Little Hatch Act.” This section
prohibits promises of influence, bans recommendations based on
political affiliations and prohibits political assessments. Violations
of Little Hatch include fines and imprisonment.
4.
NYC Conflicts of Interest Board is not applicable to CUNY, even
for community colleges.
Office of the General Counsel
June 6, 2007
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Acceptance of Gifts
Office of the General Counsel
June 6, 2007
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GIFTS
Prohibitions on accepting gif