Scope
Faculty, staff, and students
Policy Statement
The foundations of ethical behavior at Syracuse University are a commitment to respecting the rights and dignity of all persons and a commitment to discharging our obligations to others in a fair and honest manner. Each person in the Syracuse University family plays an important role in keeping these commitments by demonstrating integrity and respect in his or her daily activities and in the performance of their responsibilities. This Code of Ethical Conduct establishes a statement of principles to guide the activities of all faculty, staff, and students.
As members of the University community, we affirm the importance of academic integrity in all endeavors. We will be honest, fair, trustworthy, and respectful so as to promote an environment distinguished by the highest standards of academic honesty.
As members of the University community, we respect the rights and dignity of all persons and recognize that discrimination or harassment in any form undermines the fundamental principles of the University. We support a respectful environment through our own actions, encourage respectful behavior in others, and speak out against hatred and bias.
As members of the University community, we recognize that when in positions of authority we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust in the integrity of the University. We will set the example of fairness and honesty in all of our dealings, and not use our authority to influence others to perform inappropriate or illegal acts, or violate laws, regulations or University policies.
As members of the University community we recognize that we are often the custodians of personal and institutional information we have a responsibility to protect. We will not abuse this trust or violate any applicable laws by allowing unauthorized access, disclosure and/or discussion of confidential information obtained from official records.
As members of the University community, we recognize our responsibility to comply with all applicable international, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations; grant and contract requirements; professional standards; and University policies and procedures.
As members of the University community we recognize that conflicts of interest or commitment can interfere with the best interests of the University and erode our credibility. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual is in a position to influence a decision on University policies, purchases, programs or decisions from which he/she or a close family member or other associate might directly or indirectly receive a substantial benefit. A conflict of commitment arises when an individual’s involvement in outside activities substantially interferes with his/her primary commitments to the University. We will promptly disclose such conflicts and take steps to mitigate or eliminate any that compromise our integrity or that of the University, in accordance with applicable law and University policies.
As members of the University community, we recognize the importance of acting in good faith, responsibly, and with due care and diligence in the use and control of all University assets and resources entrusted to us. We will be efficient and economical in their use; ensure that all funds received are used prudently, ethically and for their designated purposes; and ensure accurate, complete, and reliable business records are maintained.
As members of the University community, we recognize that we have a responsibility to be scrupulous in our business dealings and to report known or suspected fraudulent activity or unethical behavior to the appropriate University official.
This Code of Ethical Conduct is not intended to address every situation, but to make each individual aware of the general scope of ethics and accountability expected from him or her as a member of the Syracuse University community. There are existing University policies that address the principles expressed here and many, but not necessarily all can be found on the Syracuse University Policies website.
Adopted by the Syracuse University Board of Trustees May 13, 2006
Policy Administration
Policy Administration
Date: Created: July 2001
Updated: May 2006