BP 7001 Code of Ethics

Reference:  Accreditation Standard IIIA.1.d

All employees of Rancho Santiago Community College District are professionals who are dedicated to promoting a climate which enhances the worth, dignity, potential, intellectual development, and uniqueness of each individual, as well as the collegiality of a learning community. Although we work in various settings and positions, we are committed to protecting human rights and to the advancement of learning. While we require an environment with freedom of inquiry and open communication, we accept the responsibility these freedoms require: competency; objectivity in the application of skills; concern for the best interest of students, colleagues, and a learning community; and avoidance of conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety.

The consistent exercise of integrity is the cornerstone of ethical behavior.

Ethical behavior is often defined as "right" or "good" behavior as measured against commonly accepted rules of conduct for a society or profession. The ethical person is often described as one who is fair, honest, straightforward, trustworthy, objective, moral, and unprejudiced.

The RSCCD Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and contractors shall subscribe to the following standards of ethical and professional behavior. For purposes of this policy "employees" refers to individuals hired and/or paid by the District, including members of the Board of Trustees, full- and part-time employees, and student employees. Employees will:

• address responsibilities and work with people without prejudice, and therefore not discriminate unjustly against or in favor of any student or employee. Employees will act to prevent intimidation, harassment, favoritism, and discrimination.
• ensure the accurate representation of District and college goals, services, programs, and policies to the public, students, and colleagues.
• avoid creating the impression that, when speaking as individuals, we speak or act for the District or the colleges.
• not enter into relationships that seek to benefit the employee at the expense of the District, a student, or a person under their supervision. They avoid conflicts of interest which may result from dual relationships, such as those of a contractual, personal, financial, or sexual nature.
• avoid conflicts of interest between their contractual obligations to the District and those to private business or personal commitments. For example, they will not solicit clients and sell services or products during the course of their regular work at RSCCD, and they refuse remuneration for services rendered to persons for whom they perform the same services as an employee of the District, and adhere to Board Policy 3821 Gift Ban Policy.
• not use the resources of the District (e.g., computers, programs, offices, supplies) to secure financial gain for oneself or any other person or party. No employee shall conduct business at the District that is not directly related to the mission of the District and colleges.
• recognize that personal problems and conflicts can interfere with employee effectiveness. Accordingly, employees monitor their personal and professional effectiveness, seek assistance when needed (e.g., psychological, medical, legal), and maintain physical, mental, and emotional health.
• contribute to the development of their respective professions through dialogue with colleagues; serving professional organizations; and serving as mentors to emerging professionals.
• maintain and enhance individual professional effectiveness, currency, and competence through continuing education to improve abilities and acquire new knowledge, and they assure the same opportunity for persons within their supervision.
• accurately represent their experience and credentials, competencies and limitations to all concerned. Employees will provide services within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, professional experience, ongoing professional development and licensure.
• in supervisory, management and administrative roles, treat those they supervise with respect and integrity, and value the well-being of employees as they make decisions about the needs of the institution. They use the power inherent in their positions wisely and with serious regard for individual worth and personal and professional growth.
• foster openness by encouraging and maintaining two-way communication, characterized by honesty and integrity.
• ensure that students and employees have access to varying points of view.
• make reasonable effort to protect students and employees from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety.
• not disclose private information about students or employees obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law.
• recognize that an information society gives us access to increasing amounts of data, much of it automated. They exercise the privilege of using such information with care and integrity, actively protect the privacy of individuals, and use due caution when creating conclusions relative to such data specific to RSCCD.
• avoid knowingly making false or malicious statements about students or employees.
• not intentionally embarrass or disparage a student or employee.
• be respectful of fellow employees, community members, and students and their opinions. Diverse opinions and free inquiry should be encouraged.
• facilitate a climate of trust and mutual support through relationships focused on respect for reason, freedom of expression, and the right to peacefully dissent.
• not impose personal values, beliefs, and behaviors on others.

Revised April 25, 2016 (Previously BP7020)