Laws and Regulations
Overview
This section is presented to provide university stakeholders a brief overview of federal and state laws and regulations that govern the University of South °®¶¹´«Ã½ Foreign Influence compliance requirements. These laws and regulations aim to combat undue foreign influence in higher education institutions around the country and in the state of °®¶¹´«Ã½. Compliance with these laws and regulations ensures the University of South °®¶¹´«Ã½ is able to safeguard our global engagements and take into consideration national security, research integrity, and academic freedoms.
Reporting of Foreign Gifts and Contracts
Federal law requires °®¶¹´«Ã½ to report gifts to and contracts with °®¶¹´«Ã½, valued at $250,000 or more received in a calendar year, semi-annually to the Department of Education. State law requires °®¶¹´«Ã½ to report gifts to and contracts with °®¶¹´«Ã½, valued at $50,000 or more received in a fiscal year, semi-annually to the Board of Governors.
International Cultural Agreements
State law prohibits °®¶¹´«Ã½ from accepting a grant or entering into any agreement or partnership with entities in a foreign country of concern. °®¶¹´«Ã½ may apply for approval from the °®¶¹´«Ã½ Board of Governors on a case-by-case basis. This approval from the °®¶¹´«Ã½ Board of Governors must be granted before initiating any established internal °®¶¹´«Ã½ process.
Screening of Foreign Researchers
State law requires °®¶¹´«Ã½ to screen applicants for specific research and research-related support position, prior to hiring.
Screening of Employment Related International Travel
State law requires °®¶¹´«Ã½ to have a pre-approval program for all faculty, researchers, and research department staff traveling internationally for work purposes.
Disclosure of Outside Activity & Financial Interests
State law requires all °®¶¹´«Ã½ employees engaged in the design, conduct, or reporting of research to disclose all outside activities related to their expertise; financial interests; and other support, including those with foreign entities.