Code of Ethics Policy
San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSU Research Foundation) is committed to the highest ethical standards. This requires all staff and board members of SDSU Research Foundation to act with honesty, integrity and openness in all their dealings as representatives of SDSU Research Foundation. SDSU Research Foundation promotes a working environment that values respect, fairness and integrity. This is not an attempt to define specifically what one should and should not do, but rather to communicate SDSU Research Foundation's expectations of proper conduct.
Ethical Business Standards or Practices
Those acting on behalf of SDSU Research Foundation have a general duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence and take no actions incompatible with their obligation to SDSU Research Foundation. SDSU Research Foundation is proud of its employees and the reputation it enjoys as a result of the quality customer service provided by them.
With regard to professional conduct, all employees have the right and responsibility to:
- Conduct business in adherence with high ethical standards.
- Maintain integrity through an ongoing dedication to honesty and responsibility.
- Act in a reliable and dependable manner.
- Treat others with impartiality.
- Communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation.
- Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom (s)he comes into contact.
- Use organizational resources only for SDSU Research Foundation purposes.
- Observe and comply with laws and regulations affecting SDSU Research Foundation and its operations.
- Conduct business in a manner that will avoid potential or actual conflicts of interest. (See Conflict of Interest Policy)
- Respect the value and dignity of all individuals.
- Follow the decisions of management. Staff may state their positions and management may incorporate some, none or all of staff's recommendations. Management is to demonstrate leadership in applying ethical business practices.
- Refrain from doing anything at work that might bring discredit to SDSU Research Foundation and the department/project.
- Treat SDSU Research Foundation's property, information and other resources responsibly including maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.
- Carefully consider the public perception of his/her personal and professional actions, the effect his/her actions could have on SDSU Research Foundation’s, the University’s or the project’s reputation in the community and elsewhere.
Ethical Dilemma or Dispute
SDSU Research Foundation encourages all employees to resolve doubts or uncertainties about ethical questions or compliance with this policy. All employees should seek appropriate guidance when faced with ethical dilemmas. To resolve any ethical or legal issue or report a violation, an employee can contact his/her supervisor or manager, the next higher level of management, the Chief Financial Officer or the Director of Human Resources & Risk Management for guidance. An employee can also contact the California whistleblower hotline number to report improper activities of state agencies or employees. SDSU Research Foundation strongly encourages an "open door" environment to its employees.
Failure to follow the Code of Ethics or the guidelines the Code of Ethics represents may lead to disciplinary action. For alleged violations, SDSU Research Foundation will weigh relevant facts and circumstances and other factors the Research Foundation deems relevant. Discipline for failure to follow the code may range from a verbal reprimand to termination.
Revised March 2007
Updated 12/15/2009