There are new strict rules that govern providing campaign contributions, gifts and/or meals to government officials. The University is prohibited from making direct campaign contributions or sponsoring employees at political fundraising events. The University has placed a ban on all gifts and meals to government officials. Any exceptions need to first be cleared by the Office of Government and Community Affairs and potentially a governmental ethics office.
Examples:
Q: I have a lunch meeting with an Assemblymember and would like to pay for lunch. Is that possible?
A: No, the university has a strict band on all gifts. Purchasing lunch, even with personal funds, is considered a gift and is prohibited by the University.
Q: I am very close friends with a Senator and we exchange gifts during the holiday season. Is this still permissible?
A: Gifts made on the basis of a personal friendship is an exception to the rules, however, if the value of a personal-friendship gift exceeds $250.00, written prior approval from the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct or the Senate Select Committee on Ethics must be obtained.
Q: A faculty member has been invited to campaign fundraiser or an event organized by a Political Action Committee (PAC) intended to benefit an elected official or political party. Can I purchase two tickets to the event using university funds?
A: No. Using university funds for political fundraisers for elected officials or political parties is in violation of the rules.
For questions on gifts or meals, or to obtain a clearance, please contact:
For all schools, except the School of Medicine and NYU Hospital, individuals should contact:
Alicia D. Hurley
212.998.6859
alicia.hurley@nyu.edu
For the School of Medicine and NYU Hospital, individuals should contact:
Gilda Ventresca Ecroyd
212.404.4077
gilda.ventresca-ecroyd@med.nyu.edu
If you have any questions, please contact government.affairs@nyu.edu.