I am writing to inform you about important new legislation that will likely slow research-related hiring in the coming months.
Florida Statute 1010.35 was adopted and will take effect July 1, 2021. We anticipate this will delay hiring of research positions and research-related support positions because of extensive additional documentation and screening that will be required before interviewing certain applicants. No interviews can be conducted with this group of candidates (described below) at any stage in the hiring process until the screening is complete.
The statute also applies to certain graduate and undergraduate students applying for research positions or research-related support positions, and certain visiting researcher applicants. The new rules are focused on protections from undue foreign influence and protecting UCF’s intellectual property, including the IP you generate through your work.
There is a large team from across UCF working on developing clear processes, procedures and training. While we don’t yet have a final plan, I wanted to share what we know now, so you can prepare.
These new screening requirements for research and research-related positions apply to:
- individuals who are citizens of any foreign country and who are not permanent U.S. residents
- U.S. citizens/permanent residents who have any affiliation with an institution or program in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria.
- U.S. citizens/permanent residents who have been employed or received training for at least a year in an organization in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria.
U.S. citizens/permanent residents employed by the U.S. government in one of the previously listed countries are exempt.
Failure to verify and screen applicants and visiting researchers before interviewing candidates may lead to consequences for those doing the hiring and may result in additional consequences for the university.
I want to assure you that this is a priority for UCF and the working group, which includes representatives from University Compliance, Ethics, and Risk; Export Control/Compliance; Office of Research; Faculty Excellence; Office of Institutional Equity; Human Resources; UCF Global; and General Counsel, among others. I ask for your patience, and I will reach out again when we have those policies finalized and training days scheduled.
We plan to create a website and additional support material and will make those available to you as soon as possible.
I thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
