Nepotism

Objective #

The purpose of these guidelines is to establish the criteria and process for employment of relatives within the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) and to outline supervision and evaluation procedures that will mitigate possible conflicts of interest. 

Policy #

General Policy 

Pursuant to Tennessee State Law (T.C.A. § 8-31-101), no employees of a State institution who are relatives shall be placed within the same direct or indirect line of supervision whereby one relative is responsible for supervising the job performance or work activities of another relative. No employee shall participate in the process of review, recommendation and/or decision making in any matter concerning hiring, opportunity, promotion, salary, retention, or termination of a relative as herein defined. 

While employment of relatives is permitted under Tennessee law, UTFI prohibits relatives from working as full or part-time regular or temporary employees within the same functional area of any unit of the Foundation, irrespective of lines of supervision. This is not applicable to student workers. 

It is the responsibility of every employee to identify to his/her supervisor, and UTFI Talent Management, any potential or existing familial relationship which falls under the definitions provided below. Employees who fail to disclose familial relationships covered by these guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the termination of employment. 

Exceptions to these guidelines must be reviewed and approved by the Foundation President in consultation with the Office of Talent Management leadership. 

Definitions  #

For the purposes of these guidelines, a relative is defined as a parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, or other family member who resides in the same household.