Resolution of Ethical Conflicts, Concerns and Issues
Staff members in the Division of Student Affairs strive
to perform their responsibilities in an ethical and professional
manner. However, when ethical conflicts, concerns, or
issues occur, they should be addressed in an educational
and supportive manner. Discussions addressing ethically-questionable
actions must not occur in an atmosphere of gossip or innuendo
but in one of objectivity and discretion.
The following guidelines will be observed when an ethical
dilemma occurs. These guidelines are recommended only
for the discussions of ethically-related matters for which
no other University policies apply. Under no circumstances
will these guidelines precede or supplant established
University policies and procedures governing personnel
actions, student conduct, sexual or other forms of harassment,
etc.
I. Clarification of Ethical Questions
When an individual either observes or is part
of a situation where ethically-questionable behavior occurs,
it is vital to understand the circumstances as fully as
possible. This may require a review of this document,
tactful and discreet discussion with colleagues in order
to clarify perspectives, and/or a discussion with one's
immediate supervisor or with the University Ombudsman.
In this preliminary stage, the University Ombudsman is
available to help determine whether the concern is ethical
in nature, as well as to identify goals and/or options
for resolution. This consultation is confidential and
focuses on clarification of the issue.
II. Options Towards Resolution
Option 1
If one believes the activity is ethically questionable,
and if one is comfortable doing so, discuss concerns with
the person(s) whose behavior appears questionable. This
discussion should be approached in the spirit that the
issue can be resolved as a result of the discussion. If
the matter remains unresolved, you may utilize Option
2 or Option 3.
Option 2
While it is strongly encouraged that ethical
differences be resolved by the parties involved, this
may not be possible or be the most practical or effective
approach. If one believes the activity is ethically questionable,
and if one does not feel comfortable discussing his/her
concerns with the person(s) whose behavior appears questionable,
one can request that a discussion occur with facilitation
from the University Ombudsman. If the issue remains unresolved,
even with the University Ombudsman's assistance, then
the individual can pursue the matter with the Office of
the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Option 3
This option is to request a meeting with the
person who is involved in the ethically questionable conduct
and his/her supervisor.
The
person requesting the meeting, i.e. the person who has
observed or is a part of the situation where ethically-questionable
behavior occurs, may ask that another person within the
Division of Student Affairs, similar in rank to the supervisor,
be present, and this person must be acceptable to all
three parties. This request should be made only if it
is considered to be necessary for the matter to be fairly
reviewed and resolved.
If
the matter remains unresolved after this discussion, then
it can be referred to the University Ombudsman. Should
the conflict not be resolved with the assistance of the
University Ombudsman, then the individual can pursue the
matter with the Office of the Vice President for Student
Affairs.
It
is strongly encouraged that ethical differences be resolved
directly by the parties involved. When this is not possible
or the most practical or effective approach, the University
Ombudsman is a resource in his/her official role of conflict
resolution specialist. If the Ombudsman pursues the matter,
it will be handled in accordance with the prescribed procedures
of conflict resolution with the final recourse being the
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
4/99