Nepotism Policy

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the conditions under which family members may work together within the college.

This policy applies to all RISD faculty and staff.

Nepotism: favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship.

Members of an employee’s immediate family will be considered for employment on the basis of their qualifications. Immediate family may not be hired, however, if employment would:

1. Create a supervisor/subordinate relationship with a family member
2. have the potential for creating an adverse impact on work performance, or
3. create either an actual conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

This policy must also be considered when assigning, transferring, or promoting an employee. For the purpose of this policy, immediate family includes: spouse, parent, child, sibling, in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchild, and members of household.

This policy does not apply retroactively to immediate family members who already are employed by RISD, but further employment actions that would create these types of conflicts will not be permitted for those family members.

Next scheduled review: 8/4/2021

Next scheduled review will be on the following date or as needed: 8/4/2024

Issuing Office

Human Resources

Responsible Officer

Vice President for Human Resources

Individuals/offices required for review and changes

Director of Employment