Code of Conduct

Why Does the Code of Conduct Exist

To establish guidelines for ethical and professional conduct
To help make decisions in our daily work
To demonstrate we take compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as institutional policies and procedures, seriously
To reflect who we are and what is important to us

Who is Expected to Follow the Code of Conduct

All the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community regardless of position, rank, or status

What Does the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community Need to Know

Know and comply with applicable laws relating to individual job responsibilities and all 91�㽶��Ƶ policies and procedures
Ask questions when unsure of the right course of action
Speak up when misconduct is seen or suspected

If you encounter an issue about which you are not sure, ask yourself

Does it reflect our values?
Is it good for 91�㽶��Ƶ and my coworkers?
Would I feel okay if everyone knew about it?
If you can answer “YES” to all of these questions, it’s probably safe to move forward
But a “NO” or “NOT SURE” to any of them should cause you to stop and consider
It is always appropriate-in any situation, under any circumstances-to ask for help

Leaders and Supervisors Set the Tone

Set high expectations and lead by example
Foster an open-door culture where the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community feels comfortable asking questions and reporting concerns
Promote ethics and compliance through discussion and learning opportunities

Respect and Civility

The 91�㽶��Ƶ Community is entitled to work in an environment that is free of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and discrimination. When interacting with others, the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community is expected to:

Treat others the way you want to be treated
Listen and interact with others and be receptive to different points of view
Speak candidly and truthfully
Promote an environment free of harassment, bullying, and abusive conduct-whether physical, verbal, or visual
Promote conflict resolution
Respect the decisions that have been made in the best interests of 91�㽶��Ƶ
Respect the property of 91�㽶��Ƶ and others, whether material or intangible

Accountability

The 91�㽶��Ƶ Community has an obligation to act with integrity, honesty, transparency, and objectivity, treat others with respect, adhere to legal and regulatory requirements and uphold moral and ethical standards when making decisions on behalf of 91�㽶��Ƶ. The 91�㽶��Ƶ Community is expected to:

Protect and maintain the confidentiality and privacy of personal and institutional information
Exhibit conduct that promotes a safe environment
Seek help as needed and take responsibility for their actions
Be engaged and productive while contributing to collective successes
Ensure personal relationships do not interfere with the performance of work or the management of human or financial resources
Avoid individual or institutional conflicts of interest and promptly disclose real or potential conflict of interest to your supervisor or the Office of Compliance Services
Report for work fit for duty, free from all substances that impair the ability to perform job duties in a safe, secure, productive, and effective manner
Refrain from taking unfair advantage of another person through harassment, manipulation, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair practice
Protect and properly use 91�㽶��Ƶ’s assets, property, information, facilities and equipment
Act in a reliable and dependable manner

Ethical Standards, Integrity and Compliance With Laws, Rules, Regulations

Ethical conduct is a fundamental expectation for the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community. Obeying the law, in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which 91�㽶��Ƶ’s ethical standards are built.

In practicing and modeling ethical conduct, the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community is expected to:

Act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct
Be personally accountable for individual actions
Conscientiously fulfill obligations and perform duties as part of the 91�㽶��Ƶ Community
Communicate ethical standards of conduct through instruction and example
Maintain an ongoing dedication to honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness
Condone no form of dishonesty, such as fraud, theft, cheating, or plagiarism
Be good stewards of 91�㽶��Ƶ resources which are reserved for business purposes on behalf of 91�㽶��Ƶ and are not used for personal gain
Maintain confidentiality by protecting the integrity and security of 91�㽶��Ƶ information
Report, inquire, or seek guidance, in good faith, suspected violations of the Code of Conduct, laws, regulations, or 91�㽶��Ƶ policy

Anti-Retaliation Standard

91�㽶��Ƶ does not tolerate retaliatory action of any kind against anyone for reporting or inquiring, in good faith, about potential violations of the Code of Conduct, laws, regulations, or 91�㽶��Ƶ policy or for seeking guidance with respect to suspected violations. Retaliatory actions include, but are not limited to:

verbal or non-verbal hostility
exclusion
undue criticism
any behavior that could discourage individuals from exercising their rights
adverse action against any employee regarding the terms and conditions of employment (such as termination, demotion, or suspension) or threats related to such actions

91�㽶��Ƶ will strictly enforce this prohibition.

An employee who has engaged in conduct or performance that warrants disciplinary action or other employment consequences will not be insulated from the consequences of those actions because he or she had made a report of wrongdoing, as long as such disciplinary action is not taken because of the allegation of wrongdoing. Reports that are knowingly false, made with reckless disregard for, or in willful ignorance of facts that would tend to disprove the allegation, are not good-faith reports, are prohibited and may subject the reporter to disciplinary action.

Accountability for Violations

If it is determined, after appropriate investigation, that this Code has been violated, including (without limitation) by failure to report a violation or by withholding information relating to a violation, the offender may be disciplined, with penalties up to and including removal from office or termination of employment. Violations of this Code may also constitute violations of law and may result in criminal and/or civil liability for the offender and 91�㽶��Ƶ. The 91�㽶��Ƶ Community is required to cooperate with internal investigations of possible misconduct.

Reporting Known or Suspected Violations

The 91�㽶��Ƶ Community shall contact the 91�㽶��Ƶ Compliance Services Office via email at complianceservices@osteo.wvsom.edu or contact the Ethics and Compliance Hotline to:

Report known or suspected violations of this Code of Conduct, laws, regulations, or policies;
Seek appropriate guidance when faced with ethical dilemmas, observed or suspected violations of this Code, any law, or 91�㽶��Ƶ policy.

Guidance

The 91�㽶��Ƶ Community must work together to ensure prompt and consistent enforcement of this Code of Conduct. In some situations, it may be difficult to know if a violation has occurred. Because it is impossible to anticipate or address every situation that may arise, it is important to be able to approach a new questions or problem with confidence. If you have questions or concerns concerning the applicability of this Code, the legality of your or others conduct, or do not find the information you are looking for, you should consult with your supervisor or the Office of Compliance Services.

Breach of this Code of Conduct, laws, regulation, and/or 91�㽶��Ƶ Policies and Procedures, may give rise to disciplinary action up to, and including, dismissal.