Outside Employment Policy, References and Links

Amended: 4/15/2023

Provided by: Department of Human Resources

Related Links and Resources:

• Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook
• Faculty: Faculty should refer to the handbook of their primary school affiliation for guidance.
• Conflict of Interest policy

This policy applies to all staff, temporary staff, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, affiliates or any other members of the Tufts community, including those who work under faculty or postdoctoral scholar handbooks, or who are otherwise covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Tufts recognizes that some employees are engaged in working for other employers, but considers Tufts the primary employer.  As such, the policy below explains the specifics of how conflicts around schedules, conflicts of interests are viewed by the University.  All employees must comply with the university conflict of interest policy, when requested. The summary below is provided as a general summary and provides direction to the full policy to which staff must comply.

Employees are hired with the express understanding that their principal professional responsibility is to the university. Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, employees of the University who desire to work, consult or volunteer outside Tufts may do so as long as there is no conflict of interest, or the appearance of conflict of interest.

If there is any possibility of a conflict of interest of working hours, outside employment should be discussed first with the immediate supervisor, unless such requirement is restricted by applicable law. Additionally, the additional work cannot interfere with the employee’s scheduled work hours and work performance.

In addition, there is an annual requirement to complete the university conflict of interest and code of conduct form, to disclose any possible conflict to the primary employment at Tufts.  Failure to disclose all required information can lead to discipline up to and including termination of employment.