Outside Employment

Are you thinking about taking a position outside of the University? Learn more about our outside work policy.

Make sure you understand the process for taking on outside work

Employees seeking jobs outside the University must submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request through Workday and receive approval before beginning the outside job. This process ensures that external work does not interfere with University duties.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Submit the request in Workday before starting the outside job. To access the request: go to Menu → Organization → Requests, then select Permission to Engage in Outside Employment from the drop-down menu. Details and instructions with screenshots are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.
  • Requests are reviewed and approved by the Chancellor. You will receive a Workday notification once approved.
  • The policy helps ensure outside work does not conflict with University responsibilities, especially when supervision, inspection, or purchasing authority is involved.
  • A new request is required at the start of each fiscal year or when changes occur in your outside employment—whichever comes first.
  • If your outside work occurs during regular business hours, you must use Personal Leave (vacation time), unless the work qualifies under the Faculty Consulting Policy.
  • Supervisors are responsible for making sure employees follow these rules.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to questions about outside employment.

All full-time employees need to submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday if they perform services for an entity other than the University of Mississippi.

Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

Yes. You need to submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday if you have any role in a company, business, or venture outside of the University, even if you have not started receiving any pay.
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

Annually. All full-time employees need to submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request form in Workday each fiscal year that they receive pay or compensation from an entity other than the University of Mississippi, receive stock or stock options from serving on the board of a company, and/or participating (including serving on a board) in a company, business, or venture, even if they do not receive pay.

Employees also need to re-submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request form in Workday any time that their employment status changes if they will still receive externally provided compensation or pay during the remainder of the year.

Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No, unless you are a paid volunteer. If you receive compensation, you should submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday.

Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No. If you are paid or receive compensation in any amount, you should submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday.
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No. You do not need to submit an Outside Employment request if an entity reimburses you for expenses.

Yes. This includes honoraria for lectures, presentations, review panel service, board service, etc. If you are paid an honorarium, you should submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday.
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No, passive income (as opposed to earned income) as defined by the IRS tax code does not require the completion of an Outside Employment form. Examples of passive income include dividends from investments, capital gains from real estate, retirement benefits and gifts. These types of income do not require an employee to submit an Outside Employment request in Workday.

No, you can file one Outside Employment request annually that covers all outside employment or honoraria received throughout the year. This should be done annually and anytime your employment status changes.

Yes, if you are paid royalties on a book, you must submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday.
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No. These types of payments or compensation do not require an Outside Employment request.

Yes. Stocks and/or stock options for serving on a board would be considered compensation and you should submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday..
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

Yes. The University still considers you an employee during the summer months, and benefits generally continue during the summer as a result of this ongoing employment relationship.

Yes. Renting property that you own is not necessarily considered passive income, and could be considered a business venture. Therefore, you should complete a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request in Workday.
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No. You do not need to submit an Outside Employment form for monies received from recreational gambling. If you are a professional gambler or pursue this as a line of work, you should submit a Permission to Engage in Outside Employment request form in Workday.
Details and instructions with screenshots on accessing the Workday request form are available in the Request Framework knowledge article.

No, because jury duty is reported in Workday as an Absence. All faculty and staff can indicate their jury duty service by selecting Jury Duty in the dropdown list when requesting time off.

Contact Human Resources

Whether you have a question or need assistance, the Department of Human Resources is here to help. Explore resources available in Workday, including Help Articles & Workday Assistant.  

Need Further Support? 
Submit a case directly in Workday. Select Menu in the top-left corner of Workday > Choose Help from the Personal section > Select Create Case.

You can also reach out to your Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), who is here to support you across key areas, including Workday, Recruiting, and People Relations.

Find Your HRBP