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Re: New Editions and Selling Textbooks

My impression is that most faculty at most state universities are considered state employees, but I can't speak for all states. In Kansas the check comes from the state - both for state universities and community colleges.

In particular, here are excerpts from a few sources found on the web. The three listed below say it is against state laws and/or regulations to sell complimentary copies. There were many others that just said it was unethical.

"... the books and newspapers are being provided to you in order to influence you in the performance of your official duties in selecting books and newspapers. Therefore, you could not accept these items as your personal property. However, since your university does not license, inspect or regulate the publishers, you could accept the items on behalf of the state and have them become state property." Fort Hays State

"The issue before the Board is whether higher education faculty may sell publications, such as textbooks, for personal benefit or profit. The Ethics Act prohibits higher education faculty from selling textbooks. The answer is no because the Ethics Act prohibits the use of official position and the use of any resource or property under official control for private benefit or gain." State of Washington

"It is considered a violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics for faculty members to "sell" complimentary copies of books given to them because of their position." Louisiana Tech


Tim Folkerts


-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu]On
Behalf Of Bernard Cleyet
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 10:56 PM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: Re: New Editions and Selling Textbooks


Tim is an employee of a state institution? I'd think if you're a k=14
instructor the gifts law wouldn't apply. If a state U. run by a board
of independent regents as is Calif., also not a state employee. Tim,
details please.

bc

p.s. What's the certain value?

Folkerts, Timothy J wrote:

I was told that, as a state employee, the texts are "gifts" that fall under state laws. Just like politicians aren't allowed to accept personal gifts over a certain value, neither are we. Consequently, the texts officially become "state property" and can not be sold for private gain.

Tim F