VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #U017

2. Administrative and classified staff may not use or attempt to use their positions at VCOM to gain anything of substantial value for the private benefit of themselves, their families, or organizations in which they have a significant financial interest, with the understanding that the reward will influence their conduct of college business. VCOM also requires that all faculty and staff members who have a personal interest in an employee-owned business or have a significant financial involvement with a vendor, licensee or potential licensee provide written confirmation that they are in compliance with state and VCOM policies regarding conflict of interest or conflict of commitment. 3. VCOM is a professional osteopathic medical college where expectations of the medical community are often higher than that of the general population. Professional and ethical behaviors are expected of the college students, faculty, and staff always, whether at work or in the community. In the performance of their duties, staff members shall be continually aware of the public trust they hold and their obligation to maintain a high standard of competence and dignity. Illegal acts, unethical acts, and acts that discredit VCOM, and are not worthy of a professional college employment are reasons for suspension and if found guilty by law or by college process, dismissal. 4. Administrative and classified staff demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper roles. They respect the confidential nature of student grades, academic progress, and academic records of any type. Staff members cannot pass on information to which they have access in their job, nor use it for personal gain or benefit. In other words, when an employee is away from their place of employment, they should not discuss any official business that is transacted or any information from the records where they work. 5. All employees must avoid any exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of students or fellow employees. Any relationship with a student by an employee must be pre-approved by the officer to which the employee reports, the Campus Dean and Human Resources and must not include any employee with access to the student records or to student supervision or evaluation of any type. 6. As colleagues, staff members have obligations that derive from common membership in the community of the college. Staff members do not discriminate against or harass colleagues. They respect and defend the free inquiry of associates, even when it leads to findings and conclusions that differ from their own. In the exchange of criticism and ideas employees show due respect for the opinions of others. 7. If a full-time VCOM staff member accepts additional employment outside VCOM that employment must not interfere with their VCOM duties or performance of those duties. Staff members who accept outside employment must inform and

VCOM Statement on Professional Ethics for Administrative and Classified Staff