3.42 Consulting During the Academic Year

Faculty members may perform outside consulting for remuneration during the academic year, subject to the following stipulations:

  • requests for approval, furnishing essential information, are made to the appropriate dean—in advance of the consulting activities.
  • the appropriate dean provides written approval for the consulting. If, in the dean’s opinion, additional approval is necessary, request for such approval is made to the Vice Chancellor and Provost.

Provided the necessary approval(s), time available for outside consulting during the academic year is any time not conflicting with University duties and responsibilities, normally not to exceed one day per week, on average.

  • Faculty members may not engage in outside employment that will bring them as an expert, consultant, investigator, or in any other capacity, into opposition to the interests of the University.
  • Faculty members may not serve as private consultants to any individual, company, corporation, or agency on projects or activities covered by agreements between such organizations and the University.

Prior to participating in an outside consulting engagement, faculty members must notify their clients in writing that:

  • they, as faculty members, are acting as individuals;
  • the University is in no way a party to the agreement; and
  • the University will not be responsible or liable for the performance or results of such consultation.

Written approval of all appropriate deans is needed for use of departmental facilities, materials, and supplies. In such cases, consultants will make suitable reimbursement to the University. Employment, by consultants, of other University personnel, including graduate students, should be cleared with appropriate deans or supervisors.

University letterhead stationery should not be used by faculty members in the performance of their consulting assignments.

No travel expenses or advances will be paid by the University for private consulting activities, regardless of later reimbursement by the consultants.

Payment for private consulting activities is a matter between clients and consultants. The University will not act as an agent of either the consultants or their clients.