16.2 Policy

(Amended 1/05)

1. Staff members will adhere to ethical standards of professional conduct and act in a manner consistent with the University's mission and core values for excellence, learning, community, diversity, integrity, respect, and responsibility.
2. The accountabilities reflected in this policy statement are essential to the full achievement of the University's mission and goals. The policy is a product of the University's accountability to the citizens of the state, as public employees of the State of Iowa. The adherence to these ethical standards should be reflected both in the work product of each staff member, and in staff members' interactions with students, colleagues, customers, and clients of their work. It is the obligation of each University of Iowa staff member to make a good faith effort to understand these standards and to conduct themselves accordingly.
   
   In addition, University staff members are expected to comply with all Board of Regents, State of Iowa, policies, including the Regents Code of Business and Fiduciary Conduct. Employing units of the University also may establish more specific expectations in addition to these standards or elaborate on these standards in greater detail, such as the Code of Ethical Conduct specific to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Such expectations will be clearly communicated to affected staff.
3. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action. Supervisors will investigate and appropriately address perceived violations of the Policy on Ethics and Responsibilities with individual staff members under their authority. Reports of alleged violations of the policy initiated by other members of the University community may be initiated through the Administrative Review procedures (III-28.2), unless specifically reserved to a particular procedure defined in University policy.
4. Alleged violations of University policies should be investigated and addressed promptly, following appropriate procedures for performance management and/or discipline. Disciplinary sanctions may include written letters of discipline, paid or unpaid disciplinary suspensions, and/or termination of employment as warranted by the individual circumstances. Unpaid suspensions may be applied to salaried staff exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act for violation of written policies governing workplace conduct rules or for violations of state or federal laws. Disciplinary sanctions should be taken only as necessary to ensure the standards of conduct and performance are maintained.