EIU Ethics Office

ETHICS

The Ethics Act

The State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (The Ethics Act) addresses several important issues for state employees, including:

1. Ethics Training — both annual and for new employees.
2. Prohibited political activities, including contributions on state property.
3. Procurement communication reporting.
4. Gift ban.
5. "Revolving door" prohibitions and requirements.
6. "Whistle blower" protection.
7. And others.

The Ethics Officer position was established by the Ethics Act in 2003.

Ethics Officers' responsibilities include:

1. Act as a liaison between the university and the Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) and between the university and the Executive Ethics Commission (EEC).
2. Review Statements of Economic Interests and disclosure forms of certain employees and officers before they are filed with the Secretary of State.
3. Provide guidance to employees in the interpretation and implementation of the Ethics Act, which the employee may, in good faith, rely on.

The Ethics Officer refers reports of Ethics Act violations to the OEIG, and provides assistance to employees in complying with the Ethics Act and ensures the University meets its obligations with regard to ethics training which provides each employee with the information they need to avoid violating the Ethics Act.

The Ethics Officer at EIU is Austin Hill, 217-581-7264 or ethicsofficer@eiu.edu, Blair Hall Room 2102