Faculty Ethics Statement

1. The faculty of San Joaquin Delta College, guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognize the special responsibilities placed upon them. Their primary responsibility to their subject is to seek and to state the truth as they see it. To this end the faculty devote their energies to developing and improving their scholarly competence. They accept the obligation to exercise critical self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and transmitting knowledge. They practice intellectual honesty.

2. As teachers, the faculty encourage the free pursuit of learning in their students. They hold before them the best scholarly and ethical standards of their discipline. The faculty demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper roles as intellectual guides and counselors. The faculty make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to ensure that their evaluations of students reflect each student's true merit. They respect the confidential nature of the relationship between faculty and students. The faculty avoid any exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of students.

3. As colleagues, the faculty have obligations that derive from common membership in the community of scholars. The faculty do not discriminate against or harass colleagues. They respect and defend the free inquiry of associates. In the exchange of criticism and ideas the faculty show due respect for the opinions of others. The faculty accept their share of responsibilities for the governance of their institution.

4. As members of an academic institution, the faculty seek above all to be effective teachers and scholars. Although the faculty observe the stated regulations of the institution, provided the regulations do not contravene academic freedom, they maintain their right to criticize and seek revision.

5. As members of their community, the faculty have the rights and obligations of other citizens. When they speak or act as private persons, they avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for their college. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, the faculty have a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom.

This an edited version of the American Association of University Professors ethics statement:
http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/pubsres/policydocs/contents/statementonprofessionalethics.htm