Gifts

Gifts to Employees

The State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (Act) bans the solicitation and acceptance of gifts from prohibited sources to University employees. A gift is defined by the Act as any gratuity, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other tangible or intangible item having monetary value. This includes cash, food and drink, and honoraria for speaking engagements related to the employee's position with the University of Illinois. A prohibited source is defined by the Act as any person or entity who conducts business with, seeks to do business with, has interests that may be substantially affected by, or seeks to obtain some official action from the University or an employee of the University. Some exceptions are allowed by the Act.

  1. Opportunities, benefits, and services that are available on the same conditions as for the general public.

  2. Anything for which the employee pays market value price.

  3. Any contribution that is lawfully made under the Election Code or activities associated with a fundraising event in support of a political organization or candidate.

  4. Educational materials and missions.

  5. Travel expenses for meetings to discuss state business.

  6. A gift from a relative.

  7. Anything provided by an individual on the basis of personal friendship.

  8. Food or refreshments not exceeding $75 per person in value on a single calendar day. (Please note: if employees are allowed to bring a guest, it is $75 per pair.)

  9. Food, refreshments, lodging, transportation, and other benefits resulting from outside business or employment activities of the employee or his/her spouse.

  10. An intra-governmental or inter-governmental gift.

  11. Bequests, inheritances, and other transfers at death.

  12. Any item or items from any one prohibited source during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.

Refer to Section 9.8, Gifts to Employees or the University Ethics Office for additional information.

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission, appointed by the Governor, has jurisdiction over University employees and may enforce the provisions of the Act only upon the receipt of a pleading filed by an Executive Inspector General. If the Ethics Commission determines that an employee has violated the Act, it can recommend to the University that disciplinary action be taken against that employee.

The recommended disciplinary action can be any of the following:

  • A reprimand

  • A directive to cease and desist the action

  • A directive to return or refund the money or items

  • A dismissal or removal from office

  • A donation to a charity of an amount equal to the value of the gift

  • A fine of up to $1000

  • Criminal prosecution

University Ethics Office

The University has established a University Ethics Office. The University Ethics Office reviews Statement of Economic Interests forms, administers the annual ethics training and offers guidance in interpreting and implementing the Act. If you have any questions related to the Act, you can contact the University Ethics Office on the Toll-free Ethics Help Line at 866-758-2146 or via e-mail at ethicsofficer@uillinois.edu.

Last Updated: July 3, 2007