ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Classification: Human Resources
Responsible: HR/Managers/Directors/Vice-Presidents
Executive Sponsor: CEO
Approval Authority: Robertson College Leadership Team
Date First Approved: October 31, 2024
Date Last Reviewed: N/A
Scheduled Review Date: June 1, 2026, or as needed
A. PURPOSE
This policy outlines standards of conduct for everyone in the college community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators. It aims to build a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment that supports ethical interactions within and outside the college. This includes relationships with business partners, alumni, governing bodies, potential employers of our students, and the public. These interactions are expected to embody respect, integrity, trust, accountability, skill, and dedication, reflecting the college's commitment to high ethical standards.
B.
SCOPE
This Policy applies to all members of the Robertson College community, including applicants, students, graduates, instructors, and employees It also applies to all activities in any academic or non-academic environment, including classes, labs, online learning management systems, libraries, test centers, practicum experience, and research activities
C. DEFINITIONS
Ethics
Robertson College Community
Conflict of Interest
Ethics outlines what is right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust, and frameworks for analyzing and resolving moral dilemmas. It also guides individuals, institutions, and communities in making decisions that reflect their values and principles
The Robertson College community includes students, employees, and guests.
A conflict of interest arises when personal, financial, or other interests could compromise an employee’s objectivity or loyalty to the college This includes situations where personal relationships or outside business interests might influence professional decisions.
Non-Reprisal
Refers to the protection of those who report misconduct, unethical behavior, or violations of policies and laws at the college This purpose of protection is to encourage employees and contractors to report violations without fear of being demoted, fired, harassed, or otherwise penalized as a consequence of their reporting
D. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to:
● establish a code of ethics for Robertson employees and contractors that encourages honesty and ethical behavior
● foster a culture of integrity, responsibility and accountability in following ethical standards at Robertson
● ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards
● offer guidance to employees and contractors when mediating ethical dilemmas
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E. POLICY
1. Academic Integrity And Honesty
1.1 Academic Integrity and Honesty: All members of the College Community are expected to engage in honest academic practices, which include avoiding plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic misconduct. This also includes accurately representing sources, original work, and collaborations
2. Respect And Inclusion
21 Diversity and Inclusion: The College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment Discrimination, harassment, or any form of intimidation based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or cultural background is strictly prohibited
2 2 Equity in Treatment: Every individual at the college has the right to be treated fairly, without bias or favoritism. The college will ensure equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support systems for all students, faculty, and staff.
3. Confidentiality And Privacy
3.1 Personal Information: The college will protect the personal information of its community members in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and other applicable privacy laws as per Robertson’s Confidentiality of Student Information and Records Policy and Intellectual Property and Copyright Policy.
3.2 Respect for Privacy: Robertson community members are expected to respect each other’s privacy in both academic and non-academic settings Unauthorized access to personal information or private records is prohibited.
4. Conflict Of Interest
4.3 Avoiding Conflicts: Employees, especially those in decision-making positions, must avoid situations where personal interests could influence their professional judgment, including decisions related but limited to personal relationships, hiring, remediation termination, and fiscal responsibility
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4 2 Transparency: Members of the college community must disclose any personal interests, relationships, or external commitments that could compromise or appear to compromise their impartiality in college-related matters.
4.3. Disclosure: Employees and contractors are responsible for disclosing potential conflicts to applicable individuals and reclusing themselves from making decisions whereby a conflict of interest is a possibility.
5. Professional Conduct
51 Respect and Decorum: All members of the College Community are expected to behave in a manner that fosters mutual respect. Bullying, harassment, verbal abuse, and unprofessional language are not tolerated Robertson Community members are expected to adhere to the Respectful Environment and Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy at all times.
5.2 Use of College Resources: College resources, including facilities, technology, and funds, should be used responsibly and only for legitimate educational or operational purposes. Misuse or personal use of resources is prohibited.
6. Health, Safety And Environment
6.1 Safe Environment: The college is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all community members Robertson Community Members must adhere to the Robertson Health and Safety Policy and Guidelines
6 2 Environmental Sustainability: The college strives to reduce its environmental impact. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, including recycling, conserving energy, and reducing waste whenever possible
7. Accountability, Reporting And Compliance
71 Reporting Misconduct: Ethical breaches should be reported to the Human Resources Office at 180 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, Room 110, or by email to: HR@Robertsoncollgeca
7 2 Nonreprisal for Reporters: Those who report violations in good faith are protected from retaliation. Ethical Behaviour Policy Page 4 of 6
7.3: Policy Breach: Breaching this ethics code may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal, in alignment with Robertson’s Remediation and Dismissal Policy.
E. RELATED LEGISLATION
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP)
Human Rights Code
Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations
F. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Health and Safety Guide
G. RELATED POLICIES
Respectful Environment Policy
Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy
Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Confidentiality of Information and Student Records Policy
Academic Integrity Policy
Intellectual Property and Copyright
H. RELATED MATERIALS
CSMLS Code of Ethics
Alberta College of Pharmacy Code of Ethics
Alberta Health Services - Code of Conduct
*All related materials have not been included in this section of the policy and can be obtained from the School Manager
J. POLICY AUTHORITY
The Director of Culture and Human Resources is responsible for this policy. Questions regarding the interpretation of this policy should be directed to robertsonpolicies@robertsoncollege.ca.
K. POLICY HISTORY
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Change Made Version Number
Policy first approved. 1.0
Signing Authority
Terena Caryk VP, Operations and Academics
Julian Hallett, VP, Workforce
Scott Murray, VP, Growth
Date of Approval or Review
October 31, 2024