  {"id":415,"date":"2024-02-15T14:15:32","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T20:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/?page_id=415"},"modified":"2026-03-19T13:42:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:42:23","slug":"ethics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/","title":{"rendered":"Ethics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>51ÁÔÆæ has a decentralized ethics program, with development, coordination and oversight by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Compliance and Ethics Officer. All staff are governed by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/faculty-staff-code-of-conduct\/\">Code of Conduct<\/a>, with additional reporting and oversight for many staff through Outside Activities Reporting (OAR). 51ÁÔÆæ also maintains two institutional ethics committees, who are available to consult on ethical issues for <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/faculty\/standing\/feac\/\">faculty<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/122\/2021\/03\/113.pdf\">academic staff<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in having a presentation at your next staff meeting or get-together? Please email <a href=\"mailto:amatok@uwm.edu\">amatok@uwm.edu<\/a> to set up a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-applicable-ethics-rules\">Applicable Ethics Rules:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-l-row\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col\">\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">University Staff<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/faculty-staff-code-of-conduct\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Faculty\/Staff Code of Conduct: SAAP 7-3<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/ohrwd\/download\/policies\/ops\/we3.pdf\">UPS Operational Policy WE 3 (PDF)<\/a>&nbsp;(Workplace Conduct Expectations)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/regents\/policies\/code-of-ethics\/\">Regent Policy Document 20-22, <em>Code of Ethics<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Academic Staff<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/code\/admin_code\/uws\/8\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wis. Admin. Code UWS 8<\/a>&nbsp;(Unclassified Staff Code of Ethics)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/remunerated-activities-outside-activities-and-conflicts-of-interest\/\">Remunerated Activities, Outside Activities, and Conflicts of Interest: ASPPP Chapter 113<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/conflicts-of-interest-for-individuals-engaged-in-research-and-other-sponsored-programs\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Conflict of Interest Policy for Individuals Engaged in Research and Other Sponsored Programs: SAAP 14-6<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/faculty-staff-code-of-conduct\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Faculty\/Staff Code of Conduct: SAAP 7-3<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/remunerated-activities-outside-activities-and-conflicts-of-interest\/ethics-committee\/\">Academic Staff Ethics Committee: ASPPP 113.07<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Faculty<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/code\/admin_code\/uws\/8\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wis. Admin. Code UWS 8<\/a>&nbsp;(Unclassified Staff Code of Ethics)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/faculty-personnel\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Faculty Policies and Procedures, Section 5.30-5.39<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/conflicts-of-interest-for-individuals-engaged-in-research-and-other-sponsored-programs\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Conflict of Interest Policy for Individuals Engaged in Research and Other Sponsored Programs: SAAP 14-6<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/faculty-staff-code-of-conduct\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Faculty\/Staff Code of Conduct: SAAP 7-3<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/governance\/faculty\/standing-committees\/faculty-ethics-advisory-committee\/\">Faculty Ethics Advisory Committee<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">State Public Officials<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/document\/statutes\/19\">Wis. Stat. \u00a7 19.45<\/a>\u00a0(Standards of conduct; state public officials)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col uwm-l-col--4 uwm-l-offset--1\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quick-links\">Quick Links<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/policy\/library\/faculty-staff-code-of-conduct\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Code of Conduct SAAP 7-3<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/hr\/toolkits\/oar\/\">Outside Activities Reporting (OAR) Toolkit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/hr\/professional-development\/\">Ethics Training<\/a> (51ÁÔÆæ)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mediaspace.wisconsin.edu\/media\/Ethics+and+Integrity+12-18-24\/1_njn9ba10?_gl=1*8tsltx*_gcl_au*MTc0Mjc0OTY5NS4xNzMxMzQyNDY0\">Ethics Training &#8211; Universities of Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/147\/2015\/01\/Key-Ethical-Legal-Issues-brochure.pdf\">Employee Ethics &#8211; Office of Legal Affairs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-report-an-ethics-concern\">How To Report an Ethics Concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are three options for reporting your concern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tell your supervisor, department chair, dean or division head.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/report-fiscal-misconduct\/submit-a-fraud-report\/\">the 51ÁÔÆæ fiscal misconduct reporting form<\/a>, and someone acting on behalf of 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s vice chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs will follow up with you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make an anonymous report through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/landing-page\/ethics\/reporting\/\">Universities of Wisconsin Reporting Hotline<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-u-flex uwm-u-flex--wrap uwm-u-flex--left\">\n<a class=\"uwm-c-button uwm-u-mr-20 uwm-u-mb-20\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/report-fiscal-misconduct\/submit-a-fraud-report\/\" rel=\"\">Report Fiscal Misconduct<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710774235039\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">I have an ethics question. Where do I get help?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You have several options for getting help with an ethics question. Speak to your supervisor. If you are a member of the academic staff or faculty, seek advice from the <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/governance\/faculty\/standing-committees\/faculty-ethics-advisory-committee\/\">Faculty Ethics Advisory Committee<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/governance\/academic-staff\/academic-staff-committee\/\">Academic Staff Committee<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/legal\/advice\/\">Office of Legal Affairs<\/a> is also available to provide advice on ethics matters. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710774906596\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I accept a meal or round of golf from a 51ÁÔÆæ vendor or prospective vendor?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Do not accept meals or entertainment (e.g. golf outings) from 51ÁÔÆæ suppliers or prospective suppliers, even if it is intended to help in discussing 51ÁÔÆæ business. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710775049565\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I accept a gift or gift basket from a supplier or prospective supplier?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Do not accept gifts, including birthday gifts, gift baskets, gift certificates, etc. While these gifts may be common marketing tools in business, they create the wrong impression within a state agency like 51ÁÔÆæ. If a gift arrives, talk to your supervisor about gently declining it or asking the supplier to donate it to a charitable organization.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710775197942\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">A supplier has offered to pay for my airfare and lodging for a conference relevant to my work. Is this okay?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Generally no. 51ÁÔÆæ employees may not accept supplier-paid travel, even when it benefits the department. Supplier-paid travel should only be accepted by an employee who is not in a position to approve or influence a contract with that supplier, and only after the arrangement has been reviewed and approved by the dean or division head. Like yourself, members of your immediate family or household may not accept items of value from a supplier as a result of your employment with 51ÁÔÆæ.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710775421111\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">A supplier likes to bring me items of minimal value on occasion like a pen or coffee mug. Do I have to decline acceptance of gifts like this?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Items of minimal value are not prohibited. However, keep an eye on appearances when using a vendor&#8217;s marketing item at work. If an employee is in a position to approve or influence a contract with a supplier, the employee may not even accept items of minimal value.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710776240306\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">I have a personal relationship with someone who is doing business with my department. What should I do?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Disclose that relationship to your supervisor so that actions can be taken to minimize or remove any potential conflict of interest arising from that relationship.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710776458786\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">My daughter is applying for a job at 51ÁÔÆæ in my department. Is that okay?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Employees may not participate in a decision to hire, retain, promote, or determine the salary of a member of their immediate family. Nepotism is not permitted at 51ÁÔÆæ. Disclose any potential conflicts that might result in nepotism to your supervisor.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1710776695281\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is it okay to use university resources for personal purposes?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">University resources such as office supplies, cell phones, meeting rooms, and work time should be used only for university purposes. Phone and email may be used for minimal personal use consistent with 51ÁÔÆæ policies. Never use 51ÁÔÆæ resources, including email and telephone, for outside work.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>51ÁÔÆæ has a decentralized ethics program, with development, coordination and oversight by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Compliance and Ethics Officer. All staff are governed by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Code of Conduct, with additional reporting and oversight for many staff through Outside Activities Reporting (OAR). 51ÁÔÆæ &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26236,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"class_list":["post-415","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Compliance and Ethics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ethics\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"51ÁÔÆæ has a decentralized ethics program, with development, coordination and oversight by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Compliance and Ethics Officer. All staff are governed by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Code of Conduct, with additional reporting and oversight for many staff through Outside Activities Reporting (OAR). 51ÁÔÆæ &hellip;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Compliance and Ethics\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-19T18:42:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/\",\"name\":\"Ethics - Compliance and Ethics\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2024-02-15T20:15:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-19T18:42:23+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710774235039\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710774906596\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775049565\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775197942\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775421111\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776240306\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776458786\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776695281\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Ethics\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/\",\"name\":\"Compliance and Ethics\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/0template-webid2\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/541\\\/2020\\\/11\\\/uwm-seo-logo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/0template-webid2\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/541\\\/2020\\\/11\\\/uwm-seo-logo.jpg\",\"width\":225,\"height\":224,\"caption\":\"University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710774235039\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710774235039\",\"name\":\"I have an ethics question. Where do I get help?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You have several options for getting help with an ethics question. Speak to your supervisor. If you are a member of the academic staff or faculty, seek advice from the <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/secu\\\/governance\\\/faculty\\\/standing-committees\\\/faculty-ethics-advisory-committee\\\/\\\">Faculty Ethics Advisory Committee<\\\/a> or <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/secu\\\/governance\\\/academic-staff\\\/academic-staff-committee\\\/\\\">Academic Staff Committee<\\\/a>. The <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/legal\\\/advice\\\/\\\">Office of Legal Affairs<\\\/a> is also available to provide advice on ethics matters. \",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710774906596\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710774906596\",\"name\":\"Can I accept a meal or round of golf from a 51ÁÔÆæ vendor or prospective vendor?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Do not accept meals or entertainment (e.g. golf outings) from 51ÁÔÆæ suppliers or prospective suppliers, even if it is intended to help in discussing 51ÁÔÆæ business. \",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775049565\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775049565\",\"name\":\"Can I accept a gift or gift basket from a supplier or prospective supplier?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Do not accept gifts, including birthday gifts, gift baskets, gift certificates, etc. While these gifts may be common marketing tools in business, they create the wrong impression within a state agency like 51ÁÔÆæ. If a gift arrives, talk to your supervisor about gently declining it or asking the supplier to donate it to a charitable organization.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775197942\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775197942\",\"name\":\"A supplier has offered to pay for my airfare and lodging for a conference relevant to my work. Is this okay?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Generally no. 51ÁÔÆæ employees may not accept supplier-paid travel, even when it benefits the department. Supplier-paid travel should only be accepted by an employee who is not in a position to approve or influence a contract with that supplier, and only after the arrangement has been reviewed and approved by the dean or division head. Like yourself, members of your immediate family or household may not accept items of value from a supplier as a result of your employment with 51ÁÔÆæ.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775421111\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710775421111\",\"name\":\"A supplier likes to bring me items of minimal value on occasion like a pen or coffee mug. Do I have to decline acceptance of gifts like this?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Items of minimal value are not prohibited. However, keep an eye on appearances when using a vendor's marketing item at work. If an employee is in a position to approve or influence a contract with a supplier, the employee may not even accept items of minimal value.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776240306\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776240306\",\"name\":\"I have a personal relationship with someone who is doing business with my department. What should I do?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Disclose that relationship to your supervisor so that actions can be taken to minimize or remove any potential conflict of interest arising from that relationship.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776458786\",\"position\":7,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776458786\",\"name\":\"My daughter is applying for a job at 51ÁÔÆæ in my department. Is that okay?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Employees may not participate in a decision to hire, retain, promote, or determine the salary of a member of their immediate family. Nepotism is not permitted at 51ÁÔÆæ. Disclose any potential conflicts that might result in nepotism to your supervisor.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776695281\",\"position\":8,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/compliance\\\/ethics\\\/#faq-question-1710776695281\",\"name\":\"Is it okay to use university resources for personal purposes?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"University resources such as office supplies, cell phones, meeting rooms, and work time should be used only for university purposes. Phone and email may be used for minimal personal use consistent with 51ÁÔÆæ policies. Never use 51ÁÔÆæ resources, including email and telephone, for outside work.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Compliance and Ethics","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Ethics","og_description":"51ÁÔÆæ has a decentralized ethics program, with development, coordination and oversight by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Compliance and Ethics Officer. All staff are governed by 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s Code of Conduct, with additional reporting and oversight for many staff through Outside Activities Reporting (OAR). 51ÁÔÆæ &hellip;","og_url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/","og_site_name":"Compliance and Ethics","article_modified_time":"2026-03-19T18:42:23+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/","url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/","name":"Ethics - Compliance and Ethics","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/#website"},"datePublished":"2024-02-15T20:15:32+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-19T18:42:23+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710774235039"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710774906596"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775049565"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775197942"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775421111"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776240306"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776458786"},{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776695281"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Ethics"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/#website","url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/","name":"Compliance and Ethics","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/#organization","name":"University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee","url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/0template-webid2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/541\/2020\/11\/uwm-seo-logo.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/0template-webid2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/541\/2020\/11\/uwm-seo-logo.jpg","width":225,"height":224,"caption":"University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710774235039","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710774235039","name":"I have an ethics question. Where do I get help?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You have several options for getting help with an ethics question. Speak to your supervisor. If you are a member of the academic staff or faculty, seek advice from the <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/governance\/faculty\/standing-committees\/faculty-ethics-advisory-committee\/\">Faculty Ethics Advisory Committee<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/secu\/governance\/academic-staff\/academic-staff-committee\/\">Academic Staff Committee<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/legal\/advice\/\">Office of Legal Affairs<\/a> is also available to provide advice on ethics matters. ","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710774906596","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710774906596","name":"Can I accept a meal or round of golf from a 51ÁÔÆæ vendor or prospective vendor?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Do not accept meals or entertainment (e.g. golf outings) from 51ÁÔÆæ suppliers or prospective suppliers, even if it is intended to help in discussing 51ÁÔÆæ business. ","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775049565","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775049565","name":"Can I accept a gift or gift basket from a supplier or prospective supplier?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Do not accept gifts, including birthday gifts, gift baskets, gift certificates, etc. While these gifts may be common marketing tools in business, they create the wrong impression within a state agency like 51ÁÔÆæ. If a gift arrives, talk to your supervisor about gently declining it or asking the supplier to donate it to a charitable organization.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775197942","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775197942","name":"A supplier has offered to pay for my airfare and lodging for a conference relevant to my work. Is this okay?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Generally no. 51ÁÔÆæ employees may not accept supplier-paid travel, even when it benefits the department. Supplier-paid travel should only be accepted by an employee who is not in a position to approve or influence a contract with that supplier, and only after the arrangement has been reviewed and approved by the dean or division head. Like yourself, members of your immediate family or household may not accept items of value from a supplier as a result of your employment with 51ÁÔÆæ.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775421111","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710775421111","name":"A supplier likes to bring me items of minimal value on occasion like a pen or coffee mug. Do I have to decline acceptance of gifts like this?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Items of minimal value are not prohibited. However, keep an eye on appearances when using a vendor's marketing item at work. If an employee is in a position to approve or influence a contract with a supplier, the employee may not even accept items of minimal value.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776240306","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776240306","name":"I have a personal relationship with someone who is doing business with my department. What should I do?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Disclose that relationship to your supervisor so that actions can be taken to minimize or remove any potential conflict of interest arising from that relationship.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776458786","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776458786","name":"My daughter is applying for a job at 51ÁÔÆæ in my department. Is that okay?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Employees may not participate in a decision to hire, retain, promote, or determine the salary of a member of their immediate family. Nepotism is not permitted at 51ÁÔÆæ. Disclose any potential conflicts that might result in nepotism to your supervisor.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776695281","position":8,"url":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/ethics\/#faq-question-1710776695281","name":"Is it okay to use university resources for personal purposes?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"University resources such as office supplies, cell phones, meeting rooms, and work time should be used only for university purposes. Phone and email may be used for minimal personal use consistent with 51ÁÔÆæ policies. Never use 51ÁÔÆæ resources, including email and telephone, for outside work.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26236"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=415"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":699,"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415\/revisions\/699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}