Employees with 50 percent or more employment are required to take the online training offered each fall.
Employees with less than 50 percent employment (including students, extra-help, and graduate assistants), are required to complete the training online. New employees are required to complete the training within 30 days of employment and may do so by the paper-based method.
Q. I am a new employee. When do I need to complete the Ethics training?
Every new employee must complete ethics training within 30 days of hire. For example: if you are a full-time employee hired on August 30, you must complete the booklet training before September 30.
Q. Why do I have to complete ethics training?
On Dec. 9, 2003, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (the "Ethics Act”). One feature of the Ethics Act is the requirement that all state employees participate in annual ethics training.
Q. Who is a “state employee” for purposes of the Ethics Act?
The Ethics Act defines “employee” as (i) any person employed full-time, part-time, or pursuant to a contract and whose employment duties are subject to the direction and control of an employer with regard to the material details of how the work is to be performed or (ii) any appointee.
Q. What is the format of the online training?
The training is a self-administered, interactive program that is accessed through any computer connected to the internet. The online training consists of lessons relating to: acceptance of gifts, political/fund-raising activities, bribery, solicitation misconduct, official misconduct and conflicts of interest. The training uses scenario-based lessons and self-assessment questions and also contains resource references as well as frequently asked questions.
Q. I work for the university but do not have access to a computer. How do I complete the training?
You may use any available University computer including your desktop computer and computers located in the Booth Library or Gregg Technology Center open labs. There are other computers that can be made available to you if these labs do not provide adequate flexibility for your schedule. If you elect to use your home computer, you will not be paid overtime for completing the training.
Most EIU computers are compatible with the Ethics Training site. When visiting the Ethics Training site you will need to use a compatible operating system and a modern web browser. If you encounter problems with the site, please review the information for the documented compatible versions. If you are utilizing a compatible browser but continue to experience problems, you may contact the ITS Help Desk at 217-581-4357 (HELP).
Q. I have taken ethics training in the past. Do I have to take this training, too?
Yes, this is the only training approved by the executive inspector general for this purpose. This training is in addition to any other training you may have taken in the past
Q. Do I need to inform my supervisor when I complete the training?
No, unless otherwise specified by your supervisor. Completion will be tracked by software; the ethics officer will receive the compliance report. If you wish, you may print out a certificate of completion. If your supervisor asks, you should be prepared to show evidence of completion.
Q. Can I take the online training at some time other than the ‘window’ provided?
The Ethics Officer sets the annual training dates. If you have not taken the training during the calendar year as a new employee, you must complete the training during the annual training period.
Q. I am a university employee but did not receive a notice regarding the training. What should I do?
Contact Austin Hill at 217-581-7249 or ethicsofficer@eiu.edu.
Q. Is the training time limited to one hour?
No, the training does not have a time limit. You may start and stop the training as necessary. You should take whatever time you need to read and understand the material.
Q. Can I complete the training during my regular work hours?
Yes, you will be allowed to take the training during your regular work hours.
Q. If I choose to take the training outside of my regular work hours, will I receive overtime pay?
No, overtime pay will not be provided if you choose to complete the training outside of your normal working hours.
Q. Is the training web site available 24 hours a day?
A. Yes. However, the site may be unavailable because of occasional system maintenance.
Q. What if I don’t take the training?
If you choose not to complete the training, you will be subject to progressive discipline from the University or sanctions from the State. This is the law in Illinois. All State employees must comply.
Q. Once I have completed this training, have I completed my ethics training requirements?
Yes, for this year. The law requires annual training, so we will be doing this or something similar again next year and every year.
Q. If the answer to my question is not listed here, whom do I contact?
For questions about training or what comprises ethical behavior, contact Austin Hill at 217-581-7249 or
ethicsofficer@eiu.edu. For questions about problems logging onto the training program, contact Human Resources at 217-581-3514 or
humanres@eiu.edu or the ITS Help Desk at 581-4357 or
itshelp@eiu.edu.
Q. I am a new employee. When do I need to complete the Ethics training?
Every new employee must complete ethics training within 30 days of hire. For example: if you are a full-time employee hired on August 30, you must complete the training before September 30.
Q. Why do I have to complete ethics training?
On Dec. 9, 2003, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. (the "Ethics Act”). One feature of the Ethics Act is the requirement that all state employees participate in annual ethics training.
Q. Who is a “state employee” for purposes of the Ethics Act?
The Ethics Act defines “employee” as any person employed full-time, part-time, or pursuant to a contract and whose employment duties are subject to the direction and control of an employer with regard to the material details of how the work is to be performed or any appointee.
Q. I am a student and also am employed part-time by the university. Am I required to take the Ethics training?
All employees, full or part-time, are required to complete yearly ethics training.
Q. I only work a couple of hours a year. Do I still have to take the training?
If you are paid by the university, yes. There are no exceptions.
Q. I have completed ethics training in the past. Do I have to take this training, too?
Yes, this is the only training approved by the executive inspector general for this purpose. This training is in addition to any other training you may have taken in the past.
Q. Do I need to inform my supervisor when I complete the training?
No, unless otherwise specified by your supervisor. Completion will be tracked by software; the ethics officer will receive the compliance report. If you wish, you may print out a certificate of completion if you complete the submission via the web link or you may copy the completed signature page before you send to Human Resources. If your supervisor asks, you should be prepared to show evidence of completion.
Q. Can I complete the training during my regular work hours?
Yes, employees you are allowed to take the training during your regular work hours.
Q. If I choose to take the training outside of my regular work hours, will I receive overtime pay?
No, overtime pay will not be provided if you choose to complete the training outside of your normal working hours.
Q. What if I don’t take the training?
If you choose not to complete the training, you will be subject to progressive discipline from the University or sanctions from the State. This is the law in Illinois. All State employees must comply.
Q. Once I have completed this training, have I completed my ethics training requirements?
Yes, for this year. The law requires annual training, so we will be doing this or something similar again next year and every year.
Q. If the answer to my question is not listed here, whom do I contact?
For questions about training or what comprises ethical behavior, contact Austin Hill at 217-581-7249 or
ethicsofficer@eiu.edu.
For questions about problems logging onto the training program, contact Human Resources at 217-581-3514 or
humanres@eiu.edu the ITS Help Desk at 217-581-4357 or
itshelp@eiu.edu.If you do not have an EIU login ID and password, please contact ITS Help Desk, 217-581-4357 or
itshelp@eiu.edu.
