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Ethical Employment Guidelines

Public Officers' Law

As a SUNY Canton employee you should know about significant sections of the New York State Public Officers' Law that impact your employment. Failure to comply with the law could result in disciplinary or criminal action, or civil penalties. While the law is more complex, the following highlights may be helpful.

Conflict of Interest

You may not have any interest, or engage in any business transaction or professional activity, or incur any obligation of any nature, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of your public duties. Even the appearance of impropriety, or doing anything that would give the public a reasonable basis to think anyone can improperly influence you in your official duties by reason of kinship, rank, position or influence is prohibited.

Confidential Information

You may not disclose confidential state information or use it for your personal interests or gain.

Moonlighting

You should not take a job which would impair your official independence, or give the public a reasonable basis to think that you have been or may be improperly influenced in your official duties.

Honoraria and Travel Reimbursement

You may not accept honoraria or official travel reimbursement without prior approval. If the donor does business with the college, you probably cannot accept such payments.

Financial Disclosure

If you have been designated as a policymaker, or if you earn over $88,256 per year and have not received an exemption, then you must file an annual financial disclosure statement with the Ethics Commission by May 15th of each year.

New York State Ethics Commission

The New York State Ethics Commission offers official interpretation of Sections 73 and 74 of the Public Officers' Law, advice to state employees and managers regarding ethical employment guidelines, and prohibitions after retirement from state service. Visit their web site for further information. Further information is also available in the Human Resources office. The Director of Human Resources serves as the campus Ethics Officer.