1.17 Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics establishes standards of professional conduct for executive officers, faculty, staff, and other individuals employed by Illinois State University, and volunteers and representatives acting as agents of the University. No person shall represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the university without authority.

Our values are based on those inherent in the Illinois State University Constitution and in Educating Illinois. As additional statements of our responsibilities and values, we further specifically adopt the AAUP Statement of Professional Ethics(adopted 1966 and 1987) and the definition and discussion of academic freedom found in the AAUP 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure with 1970 Interpretive Comments.

Values

• The faculty, staff, and administration of Illinois State University believe in the values of:
• Academic freedom
• Respect for our students and colleagues
• Excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service
• Intellectual honesty and personal integrity
• Fairness, non-discrimination, and diversity
• Respect for our institutions and traditions
• High standards of integrity as role models for our students and our community

Maintaining Our Values

In order to maintain these values, we:

1. Respect, support, and defend the principles of academic freedom. See Academic Freedom Policy
2. Respect principles of shared governance and accept mutual responsibility for the governance of the University. See Shared Governance Policy
3. Maintain the highest standards of personal integrity and intellectual honesty in professional matters.
4. Respect, support, and defend our professional and institutional values.
5. Seek and share knowledge in our discipline and state the truth as informed by current research.
6. Strive to use effective teaching practices and teach our students with rigor, understanding, and compassion. (See policy 3.3.12A.)
7. Develop and improve our scholarly and creative competence, and conduct our work with integrity. (See Policy 1.8.)
8. Treat colleagues fairly, with respect, civility, and decency. (See policy 1.17A)
9. Treat colleagues and students fairly, without exploitation and without discrimination based on irrelevancies as detailed in the Illinois State University Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policies. (See policies 1.1 and 1.2)
10. Allocate resources fairly and equitably, consistent with institutional goals and objectives, without discrimination or favoritism.
11. Maintain confidentiality, objectivity, fairness, and impartiality in all evaluative activities involving students and colleagues.
12. Avoid conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment.
13. Refrain from violating the applicable consensual relations policy. (See policies 3.1.44, 3.3.12B, or Faculty Associate Code of Ethics)
14. Exercise good stewardship and responsibility for University property and resources.
15. Comply with University policies and state and federal laws and regulations related to our duties, responsibilities, and participation in political activities. (See policy 3.3.12C, and State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.)

The University Ethics Officer is available to any individual confronted with an ethical issue.

Policies and procedures related to potential violations involving faculty are governed by the AFEGC policy. (Policy 3.3.8)

Related Policies

1.17A Code of Ethics:  Professional Relationships