Dear Rutgers Colleagues,
At Rutgers University, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct, serving as diligent custodians of the public trust while upholding the principles of academic integrity. Amidst the season of holiday festivities, it is common for our valued university vendors to extend gestures of gratitude or invitations to social gatherings. To ensure that our actions align with our established principles, it's imperative for employees to revisit University Policies 60.1.31, 60.4.2, and 60.5.8, which serve as essential references for determining the appropriateness of accepting gifts or participating in social events organized by entities associated with the university.
As a guiding principle, while nominal value gifts like calendars, pens, or items offered widely to the public are permissible, they should not create an impression of endorsement. Conversely, personal gifts or items of value from individuals or organizations engaged in university-related business should not be accepted. In the event of receiving such items, it's necessary to return them promptly. Perishable gifts can be channeled towards local charitable causes, ensuring their meaningful utilization.
It is crucial to inform the vendor why a gift cannot be accepted and specify whether it's being returned or donated to charity. Additionally, it is recommended for employees to abstain from attending vendor-hosted holiday social gatherings. Further guidance is available on the General Counsel website and the Rutgers University Ethics Website.
Sincerely,
Vivian Fernández
Senior Vice President for Human Resources