One of the great things about working for the University of California is that you are part of a larger system that is committed to ethical values.
The UC Statement of Ethical Values states:
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.
The Statement includes a commitment 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
As employees, we collectively and individually hold ourselves to these values to further our mission of teaching, research, and public service. As public employees, we are responsible for holding the University in trust for the people of the State of California. In your day-to-day work, consider ways that you can utilize these ethical values to guide interactions with your colleagues and decision-making processes.
You can ensure you’re acting in accordance with UC’s Ethical Values by aligning your actions with the UC Standards of Ethical Conduct. These standards are a statement of the UC’s shared belief in ethical, legal, and professional behavior in all of our dealings, both inside and outside the University. The Standards apply to all members of the University community and include:
- Fair Dealing
- Individual Responsibility & Accountability
- Respect for Others
- Compliance with Applicable Laws & Regulations
- Compliance with Applicable Policies, Procedures, and Other Guidance
- Conflicts of Interest or Commitment
- Ethical Conduct of Research
- Records: Confidentiality/Privacy and Access
- Internal Controls
- Use of University Resources
- Financial Reporting
- Reporting Violations & Protection from Retaliation
Review the UC Standards of Ethical Conduct for additional information about each of these standards.
Tomorrow’s article will focus on reporting misconduct and cover whistleblower reporting when an improper governmental activity is suspected or witnessed. We hope you check back tomorrow to learn more about your role in reporting misconduct.
