To foster an environment of respect for the dignity and worth of all members of the University community, the University is committed to maintain a work-learning environment free of sexual harassment. The policy of Kentucky State University, approved by the Board of Regents, prohibits sexual harassment of students, faculty and staff and assures that complaints of sexual harassment will be treated and investigated with full regard for the University's due process requirements.
The quality of decisions may be affected when those making decisions have personal relationships with those who are the subjects and possible beneficiaries of these decisions. The critical concern is that personal relationships, whether positive or negative, should not inappropriately or unfairly affect decisions. Conflicts of interest may arise when people are involved in making decisions affecting any members of their families, relatives, or those with whom they have had intimate relationships. Decisions affecting present or former business partners should also be avoided. Individuals with personal relationships should excuse themselves from such decision-making. In many cases, potential conflicts can be managed by candid but discreet disclosure of those relationships.
The University strongly urges those individuals in positions of authority not to engage in conduct of an amorous or sexual nature with a person they are, or are likely in the future to be, in a position of evaluating. The existence of a power differential may restrict the less powerful individual's freedom to participate willingly in the relationship. If one of the parties in an apparently welcomed amorous or sexual relationship has the responsibility for evaluating the performance of the other person, the relationship must be reported to the dean, department chair or supervisor so that suitable arrangements can be made for an objective evaluation of the student or employee.
Kentucky State University Board of Regents has adopted a Nepotism Policy governing the employment of relatives.
Kentucky State University Board of Regents has adopted an Intellectual Property Policy, and the University has adopted an Intellectual Property Administrative Regulation and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement Guideline, all governing the rights to intellectual property.
Decisions and the judgment upon which the decisions are based must be independent from conflicting interests and must hold the best interest of the Kentucky State University foremost. Conflicts of commitment relate to an individual's distribution of effort between University appointment and outside activities. The Kentucky State University permits external employment or self-employment in an employee's profession or specialty where there is not a conflict of interest or commitment. Faculty and professional administrative employees are expected to devote their primary professional loyalty, time, and energy to Kentucky State University teaching, research and service endeavors; activities outside the University must be conducted without detracting from these primary commitments. A conflict of commitment generally occurs when the pursuit of outside activities interferes with obligations to students, to colleagues and to the missions of the University. These conflicts may become apparent in regular performance reviews, in connection with annual salary decisions and scheduled reviews incident to promotion, reappointment or tenure decisions and should be addressed by the appropriate department head. The University policy and procedures on outside consulting can be found in Administrative Regulations governing Faculty and Staff outside employment.
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