Policy for Soliciting and Accepting Gifts

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Department of Nutritional Sciences (NSC) is to advance the development and application of knowledge of nutritional and physical activity sciences in the promotion of health.  NSC aims to be a leader with a special interest in the areas of cancer and obesity in research, as well as undergraduate, graduate, Cooperative Extension-outreach and professional development education..  In undertaking these efforts NSC seeks partnerships and sponsorships to further the Department vision and mission.

Vision -The Department of Nutritional Sciences leads in cutting-edge Research, outstanding Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Cooperative Extension programs and Continuing Professional Education that advances the discovery and translation of the roles of nutrition and physical activity in optimizing health for people in Arizona, and beyond.
Mission - To provide outstanding research, graduate and undergraduate programs, and outreach education that advances nutrition and physical activity in optimizing health for all people.

PURPOSE

• Affirm the importance of partnerships, sponsorships and gifts in furthering the vision and mission of the NSC Department.
• Provide guidelines for soliciting donors and accepting gifts in a manner that is transparent and ethical.

POLICY

1. This policy is not meant to replace, but is in addition to the University of Arizona’s Financial Services Office policy 8.12 Gifts.  Policy 8.12 Gifts includes the following:
   
   1. Definition of a gift
   2. Procedures for soliciting gifts
   3. Reporting, processing, and acknowledging gifts
   4. In accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes §38-504 and §38‑505 and Federal regulation 41 U.S.C. 51-8, a gift to a University employee may never be, nor appear to be, a quid pro quo for a University transaction favorable to the giver of the gift or which is, or may appear to be, designed to influence a University employee’s conduct.
2. This policy does not apply to grant funding to support research or education efforts within NSC.      
3. It is the policy of the Department of Nutritional Sciences to solicit and accept gifts from individuals and entities that support, either directly or indirectly, the departmental purpose, vision, and mission.
4. Accepting a gift from a donor is not an endorsement of a donor or of a donor’s products or services, unless otherwise agreed upon. 
5. While the department acknowledges and is grateful for the gifts from donors, these gifts will not influence departmental research findings, nor will they influence departmental teaching endeavors. 
6. Donors shall not refer to or use the NSC name or logo without prior written permission from the Nutritional Sciences Department.  Permission will be granted by the Nutritional Sciences Department head upon receiving a formal recommendation by the Development and Marketing Committee.
7. NSC reserves the right to refuse a gift if, by accepting the gift, the departmental reputation would be at risk.
8. The development of intellectual property that is made possible by donor gifts is owned by _____ (the University of Arizona). The Department of Nutritional Sciences (or faculty member) reserves the right to publish on its programs if it is determined that the information is to the benefit of the institution, the public, or the scientific community.

POLICY PROCEDURES

The NSC Development and Marketing Committee will vet all potential donors and gifts, and provide a recommendation to the NSC Department Head and faculty.  A majority vote by the NSC faculty will determine whether a gift will be accepted based on alignment with NSC’s purpose, vision, and mission and an overall cost-benefit analysis.