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403 Code of Ethical Conduct

 

 

403.1 Policy Statement 

Boston University employees covered by this Handbook are subject to the University’s Code of Ethical Conduct (https://www.bu.edu/policies/code-of-ethical-conduct-2/). The Code of Ethical Conduct outlines expectations for employees and others to undertake their responsibilities on the University’s behalf with diligence and professionalism and to comply with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness. This includes, but is not limited to, being respectful of the rights of others and forthright in all dealings with members of the University community as well as third parties; protecting the privacy of confidential information; and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. University representatives should not place their personal interests above the best interests of the University; even the appearance of impropriety must be avoided.  

The Code of Ethical Conduct reinforces that Boston University is committed to maintaining a work culture of respect and the highest standards of honesty, ethical conduct, and integrity in all its activities. This includes a commitment to: 

• Avoiding conflicts of interest and commitment, both in fact and appearance 

• Dealing with others honestly and in good faith 

• Preserving confidentiality 

• Compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations 

• Prohibiting retaliation against those who make good-faith reports of violations of law or University policy 

• Timely and accurate public disclosures 

Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and other Supervisors are responsible for fostering respect for the values embodied in the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting compliance with it.   

403.2 Reporting Concerns 

A feature of the Code of Ethical Conduct is the availability of a confidential reporting Ethics and Compliance Hotline which is independently administered by a third-party provider to facilitate anonymous reporting. Oversight of the Hotline cases is provided by the Compliance Services Office and the Compliance Committee as defined in the Code of Ethical Conduct. Information concerning the Hotline and related policies and procedures may be found on the Compliance Services Office website (https://www.bu.edu/compliance/). Complaints may be filed to the Hotline anonymously through the Ethics and Compliance webpage, by letter, or by telephone (https://www.bu.edu/compliance/report-a-concern/).  

The University encourages employees who have questions or concerns about their obligations under the Code of Ethical Conduct, possible illegal or unethical behavior, or non-compliance with University policy, to speak with their supervisors or the Compliance Services Office.  

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