3.2.4 |
The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies, and protects the institution from such influence. (External Influence) |
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√ Compliant |
Partially Compliant |
Non-Compliant |
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Narrative: |
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The UT System Regents’ Rules and Regulations insure that the board is free of undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies. The members of the board are subject to all laws related to ethics and code of conduct standards for state officials and all state employees (1). As with all Texas state officers, members of the Board may not have a direct or indirect interest, including financial and other interests, or engage in a business transaction or professional activity, or incur any obligation of any nature that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of the officer’s or employee’s duties in the public interest (2).
The Regents have their own Rules pertaining to conflict of interest when there is a substantial conflict with the proper discharge of the officer’s duties in the public interest. These board policies on standards of conduct and conflict of interest are based on Texas Government Code (3) and establish that the primary responsibility of board members is to the institution and external consulting or outside employment interfering with that responsibility should not be accepted. The policies also require compliance by board members with State laws governing ethics standards and provisions that prohibit conflict of interest.
To assure public oversight of Regent activities, board meetings are accessible by the public in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act (4). The Act provides that all meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public subject only to certain limited exceptions. The board may not and does not conduct official business unless it is placed on its agenda and posted as required by law.
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