Integrity, Civility and Ethics
Statement on Professional Ethics
American Association of University Professors
Codes of Conduct / Practice / Ethics From Around the World
Berleur, J. (2002). Collection of codes, Namur, Belgium.
The Role Model Argument and Faculty Diversity
Allen, A. (July, 2006). Online Ethics Center, National Academy of Engineering
How Scientists See Research Ethics: Normal Misbehavior
Stemwedel, J.D. (current). San Jose State University, Adventures in Ethics and Science blog
Faculty Ethics on Facebook
A discussion forum for Facebook participants, including proposed guidelines.
Academic Integrity and Ethics
The Graduate School, University of North Carolina
This site provides guidelines, causes, and specific examples in teaching, research and service of ethical issues faculty members face.
Professional Behavior
Professional civility
Faculty members are professionals who typically hold themselves and their colleagues to high standards of professional behavior. There are many different perspectives on what professional behavior looks and sounds like, encompassing everything from civility and collegiality, to ethical standards, to appropriate use of email and other electronic communications. Your own appropriate professional conduct will be extremely important for obtaining and retaining a faculty position. The discussions that follow are based on the experiences of a number of veteran faculty and are offered as suggested issues to examine. It is critical to discuss expectations with mentors, colleagues, coworkers, union leadership and even students to ensure that unprofessional behavior never becomes a reason for missing out on a position or a promotion.
Setting a tone
Faculty members serve as role models within the university campus community, meaning faculty behavior reflects upon the department, college and campus. As a result, high standards are expected when interacting with students, other faculty members, campus administrators, or members of the surrounding community. The way we look, behave, interact with others, conduct our business, and our level of commitment all create an overall image of who we are as professionals.
Policies and practices that guide behavior
Policies and practices serve as guidelines for faculty members as they go about their academic work. As a new faculty member, seek out policies particular to your setting when you arrive at a new campus. Be aware that federal, state, and local laws may also be relevant. Familiarize yourself with these policies early on to ensure that you work within expected guidelines to protect students, colleagues, and your professional reputation.
Ethical considerations
Ethical guidelines determine our practice as faculty members, whether engaging in scholarly teaching, research or service activities. Ensure that students, colleagues, and the community are treated fairly, equitably and in a professional manner, and be mindful of the ethical implications of your decisions and actions. Heightened awareness that some behaviors may be offensive to others may make the difference between helping a student learn and turning them off to further education, or letting interactions with peers interrupt your work and interacting productively with colleagues.
Addressing issues of behavior
The CSU campuses have each established procedures to follow when an incident of unprofessional behavior occurs. Knowing the process ahead of time will facilitate a solution rather than allowing an issue to escalate.
Possible questions to ask about Professional Behavior:
- Expectations for professional behavior
What are the general expectations for faculty as they interact with colleagues and students? - Policies and practices that guide professional behavior
What are the policies and practices that faculty are required to follow as they interact with other colleagues, students, and community members? - Ethical issues concerning professional behavior
What are some key ethical concerns that a faculty member should be aware of in order to be proactive? - Addressing problems with professional behavior
When an allegation of inappropriate behavior by you, a colleague or student occurs, or if a question of what is appropriate arises, what is a professional process for handling the situation?
