New Employee Orientation

TO: All New Employees

Ethical conduct by Federal employees is critical in maintaining the public's trust in the integrity and fairness of its Government. Recognizing this concern, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), the agency created to administer the Executive Branch Ethics Program, issued the "Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Employees of the Executive Branch" (Standards), which sets the ethical rules that govern Federal employees.

Additionally, OGE issued regulations requiring each new employee to be given a minimum of one hour of official time within (90) days of appointment to review the Standards and other ethics guides. Whether you are a newly appointed Federal employee or you have received an orientation briefing by another Department, we request that you accomplish this review. Upon completion, please fill-out and return the attached certification notice by fax to 504-426-9718 or 504-426-8590. For your convenience, the following links to the Standards and other ethics guides, along with a self-certification form are attached.

The OCFO Ethics Office is your first point of contact for information concerning ethical conduct. You are welcome to contact the Ethics Staff by phone or e-mail via the "Contact Us" link provided on the OCFO Ethics Office homepage. Our role is to answer any question you may have, so that you may practice and promote the highest standard of ethical conduct exemplifying the trust and confidence conferred upon you by the American public. On behalf of this office, the Ethics Staff welcomes you.

Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch:
http://www.usoge.gov/pages/laws_regs_fedreg_stats/oge_regs/5cfr2635.html

USDA Supplemental Standards of Conduct:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/5cfr8301_02.html

Executive Order 12674 - "Fourteen of Principles of Ethical Conduct for Government Officers and Employees":
http://www.usoge.gov/pages/laws_regs_fedreg_stats/exec_orders.html

Ethics at a Glance:
http://www.usda-ethics.net/rules/rule1.htm

735-1 Employees and Responsibilities and Conduct:
http://www.ocio.usda.gov/directives/doc/DR4070-735-001.htm

Title 18 United States Codes 201-209, Chapter 1:
http://www.usoge.gov/pages/laws_regs_fedreg_stats/statutes.html

Certification of Accomplished Briefing
http://sig.nfc.usda.gov/ethics/forms/Ethics_Orientation_Briefing.pdf

Application for Approval to Engage in Non-Federal Employment or Activity
http://sig.nfc.usda.gov/ethics/forms/Ethics_NonFed_Employ.pdf

ADODR/COR/COTR Certification
http://sig.nfc.usda.gov/ethics/forms/Ethics_ADODR_Cert.pdf