Preamble

The Florida State University International Programs Association, Inc. (FSUIPA, Inc.) is a direct support organization of The Florida State University, created to support and facilitate the operations of University’s International Programs.

The Board of Trustees for FSUIPA, Inc. is obligated to serve the public trust. As a member of the Board, each Trustee agrees to keep the welfare of the University and FSUIPA, Inc. at all times paramount, putting aside any and all personal, parochial, and business conflicts of interests thereby assuring that a Trustee’s independence of judgment is not compromised, that the public’s and the University’s confidence and respect in the integrity of the Board are preserved, and that The Florida State University’s and FSUIPA, Inc.’s public missions are protected and well served.

Trustees shall be governed by the requirements of the following policy, and if they are public employees in addition to being FSUIPA, Inc. Trustees, they are also governed by Florida Code of Ethics in Sections 112.311-112.326, Florida Statutes. Particular adherence is required to the requirements in Section 112.313, Florida Statutes, as it relates to: solicitation or acceptance of gifts; doing business with one’s agency; unauthorized compensation; salary and expense; misuse of public position; conflicting employment or contractual relationship; and disclosure or use of certain information. It is the purpose of this policy to supplement and implement these statutory requirements for public employees and officers and to provide a policy for board members who are private citizens. Hence, if there is a conflict between any provision of this policy and the Code as it relates to public employees or officers, the Code shall control.

Conflicting Interest

Trustees shall use proper channels when dealing with conflicts of interest, use of official authority, hiring of employees, in handling grievances/complaints of students, staff, faculty or citizens, and handling special interest groups.

A Trustee has a conflict of interest whenever the Trustee, a Trustee’s family member or a business associated with a Trustee or a Trustee’s family member has an existing or potential financial/personal interest in a matter pending before the Board of Trustees of FSUIPA, Inc. Any potential conflicts of interest or uncertainty regarding a conflict shall be brought to the immediate attention of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for FSUIPA, Inc.

(1) Family Member includes: spouse, parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, children, domestic partner, and any person residing in a Trustee’s household.

(2) Business Associated with a Trustee means an organization, corporation, partnership, joint venture, proprietorship or other entity or associate(s) with respect to which either the Trustee or a member of the Trustee’s family:

(a) Receives compensation or has any contractual right to future income (excluding compensation from the University), or any governmental source, investment or savings income, retirement or insurance benefits, rents or alimony, or non-financial consideration and benefits;

(b) Serves as an officer, director, partner, or employee; or

(c) Holds a foreseeable financial interest, which may result from a Trustee’s official authority as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Other Issues

(1) A Trustee shall not use the authority, title, influence, or prestige of his or her position to solicit business for others or otherwise obtain a private financial, social, or political benefit, which in any manner would be inconsistent with the interest and mission of the University or FSUIPA, Inc., nor shall a Trustee disclose confidential information gained by reason of the Trustee’s position for personal gain, benefit or to secure special privileges or exemption for him or herself or others.

(2) No Trustee shall attempt to influence the hiring decision of University employees.

(3) Complaints and issues received directly from students, staff, faculty, or citizens should be referred directly to the Director of International Programs.

(4) A Trustee’s first and foremost obligation when confronted with issues supported by special groups (including but not limited to unions, economic groups, geographical areas, racial groups and political parties) is to represent and act only in the best interests of the University and FSUIPA, Inc.

Adopted : August 31, 2010

The Board of The Florida State University International Programs Association, Inc. announces the following meeting to which all persons are invited. The meeting will be held by a Zoom video conference. A copy of the agenda and other information regarding the meeting may be obtained by contacting Beth Brenneis at (850) 644-1625 or bbrenneis@fsu.edu. In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons requiring special accommodations at this meeting should advise Mrs. Brenneis not later than twenty-four hours prior to the meeting.

The Audit Committee of The Florida State University International Programs Association, Inc. announces the following meeting to which all persons are invited. Information regarding the meeting may be obtained by contacting Beth Brenneis at (850) 644-1625 or bbrenneis@fsu.edu. In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons requiring special accommodations at this meeting should advise Mrs. Brenneis not later than twenty-four hours prior to the meeting.