Year-end holidays are a wonderful time when people show gratitude for a job well done and celebrate their good relationships. It's also an excellent time to review state and university gift guidelines to avoid an unintended ethics miscue.

Prudence is required should a vendor offer a gift to avoid possible conflicts of interest, undue influence, or the appearance thereof. Kansas law (KSA 46-237a) provides specific guidance for gifts from sources outside state government.

Generally, any gift offered in connection to your state employment that is not given at a ceremony or public function should give you pause.

I sought assistance from WSU Deputy General Counsel Misha Jacob-Warren to clarify the guidance. Two slides summarize the key points of the guidelines. The first slide addresses gifts from non-WSU sources:

The second covers gifts from the university or its employees:

Examples of acceptable gifts include:

• Gifts given to the employee by someone based on a personal relationship unrelated to the employee's university duties.
• Plaques or awards with a value of less than $40 presented in recognition of service when presented at a ceremony or public function.
• Rebates, discounts, or promotional items available to any citizen or to all state employees.
• Intra-office gift exchanges, gifts for boss's day, secretary's day, etc.
• Soft drinks, coffee, or snack food not offered as part of a meal.
• Prizes given in truly random drawings.

 WSU Policies and Procedures Manual:

Kansas Ethics Commission:

You can also contact Jacob-Warren at misha.jacob-warren@wichita.edu.