Washington State University

06/11/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2025 07:14

New ethics advisory for employees using tuition waiver

The Washington State Executive Ethics Board has issued new guidance that provides important clarification for state employees, including those at Washington State University, regarding the ethical use of state resources when engaged in continued education or professional development.

The new advisory opinion (AO 25-01) clarifies restrictions on the use of state resources for programs including the Washington State Tuition Waiver for WSU employees, which enables faculty and staff to take university courses for reduced cost. Employees are encouraged to continue using the program for professional growth, but the advisory reinforces that state resources such as time, equipment, and facilities should be used only when it's related to their job duties.

Key implications for WSU employees:

  • Job-related use only: University resources must be used only for activities that support an employee's official job functions. Coursework not tied to an employee's duties must be completed using personal time and with personal resources.
  • No use of confidential or non-public records, information, or data: Confidential or non-public information acquired through work may not be used or shared in academic assignments or discussions. For example, a non-public data set from your WSU work may not be used for a class project.
  • Permitted personal participation: Employees may still participate in educational activities and coursework on their own time, using personal devices and accounts, without restriction.
  • WSU email use allowed, with limitations: WSU employees who are able to maintain only one WSU email address due to system limitations may, provided the use is not during their work hours, continue to use their @wsu.edu email account for communication and activities related to WSU educational programs in which they are participating as a student. Also, education related emails should be separated from work related emails (see below).

Organizing your email inbox

To help maintain a clear distinction between university work and educational activities, employees are encouraged to create separate folders in their WSU email inbox to organize work-related emails and student-related correspondence. This practice supports compliance with resource use policies and helps ensure clarity in communication.

WSU supports lifelong learning

WSU remains committed to supporting employees in their pursuit of continued education and professional development. Lifelong learning not only enhances individual skills and career growth, but also strengthens the university's mission of advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. By responsibly balancing educational opportunities with ethical use of state resources, employees contribute to a stronger, more capable WSU community.

Questions?

For questions about appropriate use of WSU resources for educational purposes, employees should contact the WSU ethics advisor.

For more information:

  • Advisory Opinion 25-01 (Executive Ethics Board)
  • WSU BPPM 60.70 - Tuition Waivers
  • WSU BPPM 60.73 - Summer Educational Benefits
  • WSU Executive Policy 45 - The University Ethics Policy
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