Ethical Values

We have entered into quiet times with the spring quarter over. But fall will arrive. It might be useful to review the ofiicial university and regental statement of "Ethical Values." There were arguably events that occurred during the past year that were in contradiction to those values. So, we present the relevant parts of the statement below:

Statement of Ethical Values

Members of the University of California community are committed to the highest ethical standards in furtherance of our mission of teaching, research and public service. We recognize that we hold the University in trust for the people of the State of California. Our policies, procedures, and standards provide guidance for application of the ethical values stated below in our daily life and work as members of this community.

We are committed to:

Integrity

We will conduct ourselves with integrity in our dealings with and on behalf of the University.

Excellence

We will conscientiously strive for excellence in our work.

Accountability

We will be accountable as individuals and as members of this community for our ethical conduct and for compliance with applicable laws and University policies and directives.

Respect

We will respect the rights and dignity of others. 

---

Standards of Ethical Conduct

Purpose

Pursuit of the University of California mission of teaching, research and public service requires a shared commitment to the core values of the University as well as a commitment to the ethical conduct of all University activities. In that spirit, the Standards of Ethical Conduct are a statement of our belief in ethical, legal and professional behavior in all of our dealings inside and outside the University.

Applicability

The Standards of Ethical Conduct apply to all members of the University community, including The Regents, Officers of The Regents, faculty and other academic personnel, staff, students, volunteers, contractors, agents and others associated with the University. Organizationally, the Standards apply to campuses, the National Laboratories, the Office of the President, the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, campus organizations, foundations, alumni associations and support groups. 

1. Fair Dealing

Members of the University community are expected to conduct themselves ethically, honestly and with integrity in all dealings. This means principles of fairness, good faith and respect consistent with laws, regulations and University policies govern our conduct with others both inside and outside the community. Each situation needs to be examined in accordance with the Standards of Ethical Conduct. No unlawful practice or a practice at odds with these standards can be justified on the basis of customary practice, expediency, or achieving a “higher” purpose.

2. Individual Responsibility and Accountability

Members of the University community are expected to exercise responsibility appropriate to their position and delegated authorities. They are responsible to each other, the University and the University’s stakeholders both for their actions and their decisions not to act. Each individual is expected to conduct the business of the University in accordance with the Core Values and the Standards of Ethical Conduct, exercising sound judgment and serving the best interests of the institution and the community. 

3. Respect for Others

The University is committed to the principle of treating each community member with respect and dignity. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal opportunities for all community members and applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran. Further, romantic or sexual relationships between faculty responsible for academic supervision, evaluation or instruction and their students are prohibited. The University is committed to creating a safe and drug free workplace. Following is a list of the principal policies and reference materials available in support of this standard:

• The Faculty Code of Conduct

• Academic Personnel Policy Manual

• The Faculty Handbook

• Personnel Policies for Staff Members

• Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students

• Policy on Sexual Harassment and Procedures for Responding to Reports of Sexual Harassment 

• University policies on nondiscrimination and affirmative action

• Campus, laboratory and Office of the President Principles of Community

The University’s health sciences enterprises are committed to the ethical and compassionate treatment of patients and have established policies and statements of patient rights in support of this principle. 

4. Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations

Institutions of higher education are subject to many of the same laws and regulations as other enterprises, as well as those particular to public entities. There are also additional requirements unique to higher education. Members of the University community are expected to become familiar with the laws and regulations bearing on their areas of responsibility. Many but not all legal requirements are embodied in University policies. Failure to comply can have serious adverse consequences both for individuals and for the University, in terms of reputation, finances and the health and safety of the community. University business is to be conducted in conformance with legal requirements, including contractual commitments undertaken by individuals authorized to bind the University to such commitments.

The Office of the General Counsel has responsibility for interpretation of legal requirements. 

5. Compliance with Applicable University Policies, Procedures and Other Forms of Guidance

University policies and procedures are designed to inform our everyday responsibilities, to set minimum standards and to give University community members notice of expectations. Members of the University community are expected to transact all University business in conformance with policies and procedures and accordingly have an obligation to become familiar with those that bear on their areas of responsibility. Each member is expected to seek clarification on a policy or other University directive he or she finds to be unclear, outdated or at odds with University objectives.

It is not acceptable to ignore or disobey policies if one is not in agreement with them, or to avoid compliance by deliberately seeking loopholes.

In some cases, University employees are also governed by ethical codes or standards of their professions or disciplines—some examples are attorneys, auditors, physicians and counseling staff. It is expected that those employees will comply with applicable professional standards in addition to laws and regulations...

[The remainder of this statement deals with conflicts of interest, financial controls, etc.]

Adopted by The Regents of the University of California, May, 2005.

Full statement at https://www.ucop.edu/ethics-compliance-audit-services/_files/stmt-stds-ethics.pdf.