June 9, 200 6

                                                                        DT-06-017

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Designated Agency Ethics Officials

FROM:            Carolyn W. Chapman

                        Associate Director for Education

SUBJECT:      Financial Interests and Impartiality Courses Offered in Washington, DC

            On June 27, 2006, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics will conduct training courses in Washington, DC on Financial Interests and Impartiality.  Please disseminate the attached training announcement to your ethics officials as soon as possible. 

Attachment

U. S. Office of Government Ethics FY 06 Ethics Training

Financial Interests: Is There a Conflict?

Course Description

Do you know the common misunderstandings about 18 U.S.C. § 208, the primary conflict of interest statute?  If not, you may be interpreting the statute incorrectly.  Come hear the ins and outs of analyzing § 208 conflicts of interest and what to do when you identify a real or potential conflict.  Class format includes lecture, discussion, and practical exercises.

Intended Audience

Ethics Officials

You Will Learn How To

o Describe the 18 U.S.C. § 208 prohibition and its implementing regulations.

o Determine whether a real or potential § 208 conflict of interest exists.

o Suggest one or more remedies to resolve conflicts of interest.

o Refer real or potential conflicts to appropriate authorities.

Course Date

Tuesday, June 27                    8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Impartiality: In Whose Eyes?

Course Description

Are you sure your employees know to use the impartiality process described in the standards of conduct?  Do you?  Appearance issues can be tricky.  Make sure you know how to handle the most common appearance problems resulting from your employees' personal and business relationships.  This class helps you do that.   

Intended Audience

Ethics Officials

You Will Learn How To

o Identify the three provisions under the Personal and Business Relationship standard

o Decide when the reasonable person question is required

o Analyze the covered relationship prohibition

o Analyze the household member prohibition

o Decide when to use the other appearances prohibition

o Recommend remedies for appearance problems

Course Dates

Tuesday, June 27                    1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  

Course Location

U.S. Office of Government Ethics

1201 New York Avenue, NW.

Suite 500

Washington, DC  20005

Registration Information

To register for the Financial Interests and or Impartiality course, please visit the Training Workshops and Seminars section of OGE's website at www.usoge.gov and complete the online Registration Form.

The registration deadline is five (5) days before the class date or until each class is full, whichever occurs first.  E-mail confirmations are sent to registrants prior to the course date.

For information regarding the registration process, please contact:

Gwen Cannon-Jenkins

Education Assistant

E-mail: gcannon@oge.gov

Phone: 202-482-9219

General OGE Course Information

For information about OGE training courses, please contact:

Kaneisha Cunningham

Education Training Specialist

E-mail: ktcunnin@oge.gov

Phone: 202-482-9228