Honesty and professional integrity are expected of all employees. It would be a serious violation of this trust if the interests of any institution under the direction and control of the ACCS Board of Trustees were to be disregarded in the course of performing professional duties. The use of official position and influence to further personal gain or that of families or associates is unacceptable behavior. An employee is prohibited from using his or her official position and influence for personal gain or that of his or her family or associates, or from engaging in a conflict of interest. Full-time employees may engage in outside employment provided that such activity: (a) does not interfere with the performance of other responsibilities as a System employee; and (b) does not require use of institutional resources or facilities.
All College employees have the right to acquire and retain status of a professional, personal, or economic nature. In a community as diverse and complex as the institutions that comprise the Alabama Community College System, there is always the possibility that the pursuit of individual interest may result in a conflict with those of the employing institution. This places an important responsibility on faculty and staff to recognize potential conflicts and prevent them. It is not expected that every employee will have a complete and current knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to conflict of interest. However, all persons, particularly those with significant exposure to potential conflict of interest situations, should develop a sensitivity to this issue and seek guidance when appropriate. Employees who believe that a conflict of interest could possibly exist with activities in which they engage should immediately speak with the President to determine if such activities might interfere with their job performance or diminish the value or inhibit the operation of the institution (Board Policy 615.01, 04/13/16).