Faculty Handbook

Outside Employment

Activities considered to be within the regular work duties of University faculty members include: teaching; research and application of research findings; preparation, publication, and review of articles and books (whether for royalty or not); preparation and delivery of lectures; consultation to government agencies, serving on advisory bodies, memberships and activities in professional societies; and participation in artistic performances or activities. In each of these, the following must apply: 1) the activities are related to the faculty member’s professional field; and 2) no compensation is received other than royalties from publications, or small honoraria typically given for service on federal or state agency advisory panels or seminars at other universities. Use of the Request for Approval of Outside Employment Form is not required for such activities. (Section 1.1 in the OSU Policy on Outside Professional Activities.)

Activities considered to be "outside" the faculty member’s regular duties are: 1) consulting for additional remuneration, (e.g., providing services to individuals or firms, educational programs presented by private firms or independently by faculty members) which requires approval by use of the Request for Approval for Outside Employment form, a deeper involvement with commercial enterprises (e.g. ownership in a commercial enterprise, holding a line management position) which requires submittal of a memorandum and its approval. (Sections 1.2 and 1.3 in the OSU Policy on Outside Professional Activities.)

Statement of Policy

It is the University policy to encourage its faculty members to undertake outside activities (not to exceed an average of one day/week) that will increase their effectiveness and broaden their experience in relation to their functions at the University, or which will be of service to the community, private sector, nation, or world provided:

1. The cumulative total of outside professional activities and overload activities does not substantially interfere with the performance of the faculty member’s University duties.
2. The outside activities do not involve use of University property, facilities, equipment, or services, except in limited circumstances when approved by the faculty member’s department head/chair and dean or the dean and Provost.
3. The outside activities are approved by the department head/chair and dean or dean and Provost using the Request for Approval of Outside Employment form for consulting, or a memorandum for cases of deeper involvement with commercial enterprises. A copy of the approved document should be filed with the Office of Academic Affairs before the outside activity begins. If the proposed activity includes signing an agreement concerning rights in inventions or materials, the agreement must be reviewed and approved by the Vice Provost.
4. The faculty member makes it clear to the outside employer (agency, board, jury, or audience) that he or she is acting in an individual capacity and does not speak, write, or act in the name of the University or directly represent it.
5. The faculty member does not list his or her University telephone number in commercial listings or other public documents, the purpose of which is to draw attention to the individual’s availability for compensatory service. Further, use of the University name, logo, and stationery is prohibited.
6. The outside employment is consistent with policies of the faculty member’s college, school, or division.

These provisions, insofar as part–time faculty members are concerned, apply only to the times or periods of University employment. Nothing herein contained shall be considered applicable to any outside activities of these part time faculty during the period of time for which they are not compensated as University employees, except insofar as use of University name, property, equipment, etc., is concerned.