State employees are prohibited from accepting additional compensation from any individual, group or organization to whom professional services are rendered during the hours the employee is working for the state. Whether in-state or out-of-state, an employee should not accept an honorarium or similar gift for services rendered on state time or at state expense. However, amounts awarded in appreciation of help and services provided, such as honorariums from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and similar organizations, are not regarded as compensation and, upon prior approval of the President, may be accepted by the individual employee.

Gifts from sales representatives, vendors, or business organizations wishing to acknowledge or attract favorable relationships must be tactfully refused, whether such gifts are tendered at the College or elsewhere.

These issues are covered in detail in the Ethics, Government Accountability and Campaign Reform Act of 1991 and Trident Policy 8-9-0. Questions concerning this matter or any potential conflict of interest should be referred in writing to the College's General Counsel.

The Ethics Act does not prohibit permanent employees summoned to jury duty from accepting pay in accordance with SBTCE Procedure 8-3-103.1, "Jury Duty, Grievance, and Court Leave."