Faculty Handbook

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2022-23

APPENDIX M:

POLICY FOR PROGRAMS INVOLVING INDUSTRY Approved by Dean’s Council 9 April 2013

Purpose: This policy provides guidance on the use of programs for faculty, staff, and students at the college when they are created, in whole or part, by industry and delivered by speakers serving as de facto employees for industry. The State of New York through the passage of the Public Integrity Reform Act (PIRA) has established policies to guide ethical interactions between state employees and such external agencies and to avoid conflict of interest. These guidelines impact the circumstances under which college employees participate in these events, at which they may receive benefits, (gifts, food, beverages, etc.). This policy is designed to assure compliance with these state regulations. It is also designed to guide program development particularly where presentations are aimed at students or where students are present. In all cases, if the event will provide a meal as part of the program, the following rules regarding faculty participation must be adhered to: If the cost of the meal is less than $15/person there is no stipulation as to the number of faculty that may attend; If the cost of the meal is more than $15/person, faculty may partake in the meal as long as there are 25 or more non-employees also in attendance. Policy for Academic Programs: All academic programs, including didactic residency programs, are under the authority of Academic Affairs. Academic Programs refer to any conference, class, lab, or workshop, specifically for optometry students or open to optometry students and relating to their academic training . These programs are not usually considered to be part of the regular optometry curriculum although Instructors of Record may use them as optional supplements or to bring guest lecturers into their courses, after approval is granted. Academic Programs do not include programs developed by any student organization or other extracurricular programs such as for career development, which are overseen by Student Affairs. The Dean’s Council will review all requests for permission to conduct academic programs, including the use of industry employees as guest lecturers in courses . Proposals normally must be submitted for review and approval at least 45 days prior to the proposed date of the event, but may be considered under a shorter time frame if justified. A faculty sponsor, who will work with the industry representative and be responsible for the program content, must submit the proposal. The proposal must include the following: a. Program title b. Name of company or companies involved in the delivery of the program c. Name of speaker(s) and affiliation(s) to the company/companies involved d. Name of the faculty sponsor(s) who will be responsible for the event and assure the educational value

e. Requested date f. Requested space g. Intended audience h. Educational value i. Requests for any additional special arrangements (meals, displays, clinic involvement, etc.)

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