Financial Disclosure for Faculty

The New York State Commission on Public Integrity (“NYSCPI”) will be notifying CUNY faculty shortly, by email only , regarding the requirement to file a Financial Disclosure Statement (“FDS”). The following questions and answers are intended to summarize for you the most important principles and dates.

1.  Who must file?  

A.   You must file an FDS if your annual salary as a faculty member is more than $88,256.00. Although the FDS asks for financial data for 2010, the determination as to whether you must file must be made on the bases of your duties and salary as of September 1, 2011.

2. When must I file?

A.  If you are required to file an FDS, you must do so by November 15, 2011.  If you believe you are exempt but have not previously applied for and been granted an exemption, you must file your request for an exemption by November 1, 2011. No late requests for exemption will be considered.

3(a).  Who is entitled to an exemption?

A.  The Commission is authorized to grant an exemption to CUNY faculty whose duties do not involve the negotiation, authorization or approval of:

i.    contracts, leases, franchises, revocable consents, concessions, variances, special permits, or licenses as defined in section seventy-three of the public officers law;
ii.    the purchase, sale, rental or lease of real property, goods or services, or a contract therefor;
iii.    the obtaining of grants of money or loans; or
iv.    the adoption or repeal of any rule or regulation having the force and effect of law.

3(b). What if I am the Chair of my department, or I administer a grant?

A. In both situations you are not eligible for an exemption.

4(a). How do I obtain an exemption?

A. If you do not have an exemption and believe you qualify for one, you must fill out and file the exemption form directly with NYSCPI by November 1, 2011. The Financial Disclosure Statement Forms and Instructions can be accessed on the NYSCPI web at: http://www.nyintegrity.org/forms/ethics.html

4(b). NYSCPI exemption form requires that I attach a job description but I don’t have one?

A. Where a job description is not available, an academic applicant may submit either of the following:
(1) A copy of the current annual report which the applicant filed with their department,

OR

(2) A job description prepared by the applicant which includes the following: whether the individual is involved in purchasing or contracting activities; administrative duties such as chair or director for a department or program; and, whether individual received externally funded grants.

5.  If I have previously filed for and been granted an exemption, do I have to file for exemption again?

A. No.  If you have previously filed for and been granted an exemption from filing a FDS and there have been no changes in your duties and responsibilities, there is no need to file for a new exemption. The original exemption continues to be effective.

6. I applied for an exemption. When will I hear if it is granted? Do I have to file while I am waiting to hear?

A. Generally, you will receive a reply within 10 days. You may file the disclosure statement in addition to the exemption request. If your exemption is approved, NYSCPI will return your original form and no record of it will be retained by the Commission. If you choose to wait for a response and are denied, you are given 20 days from the date of denial to file your disclosure.

7. In determining my salary, do I look to the amount associated with my title or the amount I actually earned last year?  

A.  You look to the amount associated with your title. For example, if you worked part-time in a title that pays in excess of the filing rate of $88,256.00 or if you have been on sabbatical for a portion of the year in a title that pays in excess of the filing rate of $88,256.00, you must either file an FDS or apply for an exemption regardless of how much you actually earned.

8.  Do I have to file if I get a salary increase that causes my salary to exceed the filing rate of $88,256.00 after September 1, 2011? 

A.  If at any time after September 1, 2011 and until August 31, 2012, you receive an increase in your annual salary - whether through an increase provided by a collective bargaining agreement, an annual step increment or promotion - to a rate in excess of the filing rate of $88,256.00, CUNY must notify the NYSCPI of your new status, and the NYSCPI will contact you by mail with instructions to file an FDS or to file for an exemption.  You will then have thirty (30) days to either file an FDS or apply for an exemption from filing. 

9. What if I have a personal emergency and cannot file on time?

A. Ask the NYSCPI for an Extension. Call NYSCPI at 518-408-3976 or 1-800-873-8442 and ask for the help desk. E-mail help is available from cpi@nyintegrity.org .  The relevant form “Exemption from FDS Filing Requirement” and instructions are available at: http://www.nyintegrity.org/forms/ethics.html

10.   What if I Fail to File?

A. You must file as soon as possible or you are in trouble.  Pursuant to the Chapter 14 of the Laws of 2007 (Public Employees Ethics Reform Act) penalties for violations of Public Officers Law §73-a, [the Financial Disclosure Filing Statute] increased from a maximum of $10,000 to $40,000. Also Notices of Delinquency for failure to file the financial disclosure statement for the specific calendar year 2010 will be posted on the Commission’s website.  Again this year, the Commission will assess penalties for filings received after the statutory deadline. To avoid fines, your form must be received no later than November 15, 2011.  New employees required to file must do so within 30 days of commencing employment.

 Please also go to: http://www.nyintegrity.org/enforcement/

11. But I still have more questions, where do I go?

A. You should consult with your College ethics officer or NYSCPI. A list of College ethics officers and phone numbers is available at:

http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/la/ethics.html  (see Ethics Officers Listing)

You may also go to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity website for more information on Financial Disclosure Filing  for Faculty, please see Instructions for Filing Financial Disclosure Statement (PDF)  on the following:

http://www.nyintegrity.org/forms/ethc/FDS%202010%20Instructions.pdf <pdf>
    

Or for detailed information see “Financial Disclosure Statement: Form Overview and Instructions” (Comprehensive Instructions Form - Revised in April 2011):

http://www.nyintegrity.org/education/Financial%20Disclosure%20Form%202011.pdf <pdf>

If you have any other questions or need additional information with respect to these rules, or need help filing out the either of the forms call your college ethics officer or Call NYSCPI at 518-408-3976 or 1-800-873-8442 and ask for the help desk. E-mail help is available from cpi@nyintegrity.org.