As an NIH employee, I need to understand the process for obtaining approval to accept an honorary degree and free attendance at a widely attended gathering (WAG). For both, identify the required forms, the approval workflow, and how electronic systems like NEES are utilized. Include any initial requirements for acceptance.
Navigate to the 'Ethics Procedures' page. Locate the 'Honorary Degree' section under 'Gift Exceptions' and extract the required form, submission steps, approval routing, and electronic submission details. Locate the 'Free Attendance using the Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) Exception' section and extract the required form for individual requests, the initial requirement for acceptance, and its submission/routing process, including electronic submission details. Synthesize the gathered information for both scenarios.
State that form NIH-2855 is required for honorary degree approval. Explain that for an honorary degree, the signed NIH-2855 and notification letter are forwarded to the supervisor, then to the IC ethics office, and finally to the Deputy Ethics Counselor for decision. Note that honorary degree submission will be electronic via NEES when available. State that acceptance of free attendance at a WAG requires advance approval. Identify form NIH-2803 as required for individual WAG requests. Explain that for individual WAGs, form NIH-2803 is submitted electronically via NEES with an invitation attached, routed to the supervisor, then to the IC Ethics Office, and the Deputy Ethics Counselor makes the determination, with notification via email from NEES.