System Management General Consulting Policy Number: C.E.S.P. 3-32 Date Revised: 4-23-2001 Supersedes: 10-16-2000

Summary: Establishes policy regulating consulting activities of Extension faculty in accordance with Division of Agriculture policy.

Source:  This policy is adapted from University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Consulting Policy dated March 16, 1988.

Consulting activities are defined as the employment in any capacity of a member of the state or county Extension faculty by a firm or individual other than the University of Arkansas.

Requests for Extension faculty to engage in professional consulting activities in their area of expertise are a credit to the individual, the department, and the University. Consulting assignments also contribute to the professional growth and development of the individual and to the development of excellence in teaching, research, and extension programs.

Consulting activities by the Extension faculty may also lead to situations involving possible conflict of interest which can be detrimental to the individual and University programs. Because of the unique nature of the teaching, research, and extension missions of the Division of Agriculture, the following guidelines and procedures shall govern consulting activities.

1. Members of the Extension faculty must obtain administrative approval prior to rendering a consulting service.

2. Submit one copy of the completed Outside Employment Request form ( E.P.E.R.S. - 122) to the immediate supervisor.

3. Employment must not constitute a conflict of interest, interfere with the employee's University duties or conflict with scheduled University assignments.

4. Written approval of the supervisor (associate director, state program leader, or district director) must be obtained in advance of outside employment.

5. The employee must always make it clear that the outside employment is his/her personal responsibility and not as an agent or representative of the University.

6. University facilities, equipment, and personnel may not be used except with permission of the supervisor and the associate vice president for agriculture. If University equipment is used, a log must be maintained for each usage, including the:

• piece of equipment,

• duration of its use,

• purpose for which it was used, and

• level of compensation for its use. (Compensation will be based on fair market rental or lease rates for similar equipment.)

7. Outside employment shall not occupy more than one day per week on the average. Consulting involving five or more consecutive days is discouraged.

Consulting activities will be included as appropriate in the Annual Report on Outside Employment ( E.P.E.R.S. - 123) and the Annual Report of Income from Public Agencies ( E.P.E.R.S. - 121). See Division of Agriculture Outside Employment of Faculty and Administrative Staff Members - PMGS 95-3.

Forms

E.P.E.R.S. -121: Annual Report of Income from Public Agencies
E.P.E.R.S. -122: Outside Employment Request
E.P.E.R.S. -123: Annual Report on Outside Employment