XI. Procedure for Dealing with Student Gifts

As a matter of principle, the University discourages the practice of students giving gifts to faculty members. However, from time-to-time faculty members may be presented with a gift from one or more students or an entire class that expresses appreciation. Such gifts may range from flowers to items of considerable value. In some cases the offering of a gift may reflect a cultural custom on the part of the students(s) concerned. Faculty members should use their professional judgement to decide whether or not to accept such gifts from students, and may wish to consider the following alternatives, especially when only one or two gift givers are involved:

a. Students offering gifts of money could be encouraged to make a donation to a University scholarship, bursary or prize fund, or some other University purpose. The gift could be designated “in appreciation of Professor xxxxx,” and sent directly, or through the faculty member’s Dean, to the Development Office on the Fredericton Campus, or the Office of Advancement, Communications, and Recognition on the Saint John campus. (The student would receive a tax receipt for a charitable donation.)

b.  Students offering gifts “in kind” which are inappropriate or have a significant monetary value could be referred to the faculty member’s Dean, the Development Office on the Fredericton Campus, or the Office of Advancement, Communications, and Recognition on the Saint John campus.

c. In lieu of gifts of money or "in kind," students who wish to express thanks or appreciation to a faculty member could be encouraged to:

i. Nominate the faculty member for a Faculty or University teaching award
ii. Write a letter of appreciation to the faculty member's Dean or the Vice-President 
iii. Send a card or note of thanks to the faculty member.

Under any circumstances, faculty members should avoid accepting gifts from students prior to submission of final grades for those students, or completion of supervision.