SCOPE: FACULTY AND STAFF

Issued: 4/1/00

Revised: 06/19/2020

1. Lamar University (LU) is a state institution and adheres to State of Texas laws and statutes regarding the use of state property.

2. State property may be used only for state purposes. 

3. An LU employee may not entrust state property to a state officer or employee or to any other person if the property is not to be used for state purposes.

4. Motor Vehicles: The use of state-owned motor vehicles except on official business is prohibited. State employees are expressly prohibited from using state vehicles in connection with any political campaign or any personal or recreational activity. State funds may not be used to pay employees who violate these provisions.

5. Facilities, Tools, and Equipment: University facilities, tools, and equipment may be used only in the completion of official job duties and not for personal reasons. 

6. Office Equipment: The use of state property including telephones and office equipment such as computers, fax machines, or copiers should be restricted to official business. It is expected that any personal business conducted over the telephone will be kept to a minimum. Excessive personal phone calls or use of photocopiers, computers, etc. for personal reasons may lead to restrictions or disciplinary actions. Personal long distance phone calls should not be charged to Lamar accounts; any such calls must be identified and the account reimbursed. Departments are required to review monthly bills.

6.1 E-mail and Internet: The use of the Internet and e-mail is recognized as a valid business tool and is to be used for purposes related to the performance of a job or for gathering applicable information. Personal use of this technology may lead to restrictions or disciplinary actions.

7. Personal Mail: Any personal mail sent through the University Post Office must be paid for by the employee. Personal mail should not be sent on University stationery.

8. Home/Personal Use: Removing state property from the campus for home or personal use is expressly forbidden. Any employee wishing to take Lamar property home to work on official business must receive written permission from his/her supervisor to do so.

9. Personal Gain: State property (including, but not limited to, the property named in this policy) may not be used for personal gain, whether financial, intellectual, or other. State property may be used to develop materials that aid in or result from the completion of official job duties. State property may not be used to develop materials that are used for personal gain or personal reasons. These materials may take a physical, intellectual, or other form.

10. Discipline: Failure to comply with these policies may be cause for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Reference:

Texas Government Code, §2203.004