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Athabasca University Governing Council
CODE
OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
FOR MEMBERS OF
ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY GOVERNING COUNCIL
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INTRODUCTION
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While it is
assumed that all members of the Athabasca University ("University")
community, including employees and volunteers, respect and maintain
the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct, this Code
of Conduct and Ethics is directed to members of the Athabasca University
Governing Council ("Governing Council"). In exercising their
powers and discharging their duties as members of Governing Council,
Members shall act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best
interests of the University and exercise the care, diligence and skill
that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
The reputation of the University for honesty and integrity among its
stakeholders is key to its success. In conducting University business,
Members must respect and comply with the relevant laws and regulations
of Alberta and Canada and other jurisdictions in which the University
conducts business.
In addition to following this Code in all aspects of University business,
Members are expected to seek guidance in any case where there is a
question about compliance with both the letter and spirit of University
policies and applicable laws. This Code does not supersede the specific
policies and procedures that are covered in the General By-laws, and
the Statement of Quality and Performance Standards of the Athabasca
University Governing Council or in the University's specific policy
statements.
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FREEDOM
FROM HARASSMENT
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The University
is committed to providing a living, learning and working environment
that is free of harassment and is supportive of productivity, academic
achievement, and the dignity, self-esteem and fair treatment of all
members of its community. The University Policy - Anti-Harassment
Policy for Employees, gives practical application to that commitment.
Members are expected to be familiar with the policy and ensure their
actions are consistent with the policy.
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CONFLICT
OF INTEREST
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Members must
be scrupulous in avoiding a conflict of interest with regard to the
University's interests. A conflict of interest exists whenever an
individual's private interests interfere or conflict in any way (or
even appear to interfere or conflict) with the interests of the University.
Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut; Members' questions
should be directed to the Chair of Governing Council. A Member who
becomes aware of a conflict or potential conflict should bring it
to the attention of the Chair of Governing Council. The specifics
of the Conflict of Interest policy for Members are contained in the
General By-laws of Governing Council. Members are required to disclose
conflicts of interest in accordance with those By-laws.
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CONFIDENTIALITY
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Members must
maintain the confidentiality of confidential information entrusted
to them by the University or its stakeholders, except when disclosure
is authorized or required by laws, regulations or legal proceedings.
Whenever feasible, Members should consult with the Chair of Governing
Council or the President if they believe they have a legal obligation
to disclose confidential information. Confidential information includes
all non-public information that might be of use to competitors of
the University, or harmful to the University or its stakeholders if
disclosed. It also includes information that stakeholders have entrusted
to the University. Confidentiality of records and information of Governing
Council is explained in the General By-laws of Governing Council.
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PROTECTION
AND PROPER USE OF THE UNIVERSITY'S ASSETS
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Theft, carelessness
and waste have a direct impact on the University. Any suspected incidents
of fraud or theft should be immediately reported to the Chair of Governing
Council or the President for investigation. The University's assets
may only be used for University purposes and never for illegal purposes.
Members have an obligation to protect the University's assets, including
proprietary information. Governing Council must ensure there are appropriate
safeguards and policies in place to ensure the assets are protected.
Proprietary information includes any information that is not generally
known to the public, which may have commercial or competitive value.
Examples of proprietary information are intellectual property, operating
and marketing plans, student and employee information. Members have
the obligation to preserve proprietary information and protect assets
even after leaving Governing Council.
Members are prohibited from (a) taking for themselves personally opportunities
that properly belong to the University or are discovered through the
use of the University's property, information or position; (b) using
the University's property, information or position for personal gain;
and (c) competing with the University. Members owe a duty to the University
to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so
arises.
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FAIR
DEALING
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Members must
deal fairly with the University's stakeholders. None should take advantage
of anyone through illegal conduct, manipulation, concealment, abuse
of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or
any other unfair-dealing practice.
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ACCURACY
OF THE UNIVERSITY'S RECORDS AND REPORTING
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Honest and
accurate recording and reporting of information is critical to the
ability of Governing Council to make responsible business decisions.
The University's accounting records are relied upon to produce reports
for the University's management, students, creditors, government agencies
and the community in general. The financial statements and the books
and records on which they are based must accurately reflect all transactions
and conform to all legal and accounting requirements and a system
of internal controls.
Records and communications often become public through legal or regulatory
investigations or the media. Exaggeration, derogatory remarks, legal
conclusions or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies
are to be avoided. This applies to communications of all kinds, including
email and informal notes or interoffice memos. Records are retained
and destroyed in accordance with the University's Record
Management Policy. Any complaints or concerns related to accounting,
internal controls or auditing matters should be referred to the Chair
of the Audit Committee.
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REPORTING
OF ANY ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR
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Members must
conduct the business and affairs of the University in a lawful and
ethical manner. Members are encouraged to talk to the Chair of Governing
Council, the President, or the Chair of the Audit Committee when in
doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation.
This Code cannot, and is not intended to, address all situations.
In some circumstances Members may need to rely on judgement and consultation
with the Chair of Governing Council or the President in determining
an appropriate course of action. In circumstances where a Member suspects
conduct that contravenes policy or good conduct, the Member has an
obligation to report the conduct to the Chair of Governing Council,
the President, or the Chair of the Audit Committee. |
Office of the University Secretariat
Last updated
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AUGC
