Gift Guidelines to Keep in Mind

Year-end holidays are a wonderful time when people show gratitude for a job well done and celebrate their good relationships. It's also an excellent time to review state and university gift guidelines to avoid an unintended ethics miscue.

Prudence is required should a vendor offer a gift to avoid possible conflicts of interest, undue influence, or the appearance thereof. Kansas law (KSA 46-237a) provides specific guidance for gifts from sources outside state government.

Generally, any gift offered in connection to your state employment that is not given at a ceremony or public function should give you pause.

Summary Slides

I requested help from WSU associate general counsel Misha Jacob-Warren to make the guidelines a little easier to understand. Two slides summarize the guidlines' key points. Slide 1 covers gifts from non-WSU sources:

Acceptable Outside Gifts: 1) Valued at less than $40 and given at a ceremony or public function (when attended in your capacity as a state employee) 2) Accepted on behalf of state and becomes its property 3) From a relative or friend (for reasons unrelated to your state employment).

Slide 2 covers gifts from the university or its employees:

Acceptable WSU Gifts: 1) Valued at less than $40 and given at a ceremony or public function 2) Coupon for specific item OK, but no cash or gift cards 3) From personal friends (and funds) if not due to position.

Examples of acceptable gifts include:

Gifts given to the employee by someone based on a personal relationship unrelated to the employee's university duties.
Plaques or awards with a value of less than $40 presented in recognition of service when presented at a ceremony or public function.
Rebates, discounts, or promotional items available to any citizen or to all state employees.
Intra-office gift exchanges, gifts for boss's day, secretary's day, etc.
Soft drinks, coffee, or snack food not offered as part of a meal.
Prizes given in truly random drawings.

WSU does not purchase gifts except in limited circumstances.