Outside Employment

Definition

Outside employment is defined as any activity such as, but not necessarily limited to, consulting, advising, testing or assaying, performing analysis or examinations, the practice of one's profession, or similar work performed in addition to the official responsibilities of a full-time university employee. Most outside employment includes compensation, but some volunteer activities may also be included.

State Dual Employment

While an employee can be employed by more than one state agency or institution of higher education, an advance review by the central human resources office is also required in addition to departmental approval.   Because the state considers itself one employer, there are factors related to FLSA exemption status and benefits that must be weighed before the department can approve a request to work at another state entity or independent school districts. This requirement is also for state school districts but only to ensure TRS is made aware. The manager or HR contact for the employee should contact their central HR Strategic Workforce Solutions consultant.

Accepting Outside Employment

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin to provide a transparent system of disclosure, approval, and documentation of employees’ employment or activities outside of the University that might otherwise raise concerns about conflicts of interest or conflicts of commitment. HOP 5-2011 provides the institutional framework to protect the credibility and reputation of the University and its faculty and staff when those employees are engaged in outside activities.

An employee may accept outside employment as long as their outside employment and volunteer activities will not create a real or perceived conflict of interest or commitment. These activities must also not interfere with an employee's full and proper performance of their university employment. Please see the Regents' Rules and Regulations, Section 30104 and the University's Handbook of Operating Procedures (Revised), 2-2220, 5-2011, 5-2270, and 7-1210 for additional information.

Before an employee is allowed to accept outside employment, they must submit the appropriate documentation:

• All Staff (Exempt and Non-Exempt) will complete a form via the University of Texas System Outside Activity Portal.

• Faculty members and other principal investigators/researchers should now use UTRMS for submission of outside activity requests.

Outside employment requests should be approved at the beginning of each new fiscal year.