The Daily Bulletin Archive

At its November 4, 2016, meeting, the College Senate voted to recommend to the president an endorsement of the Public Statement of Ethical Principles adopted by the SUNY University Faculty Senate as follows:

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College is an academic institution within the State University of New York system; and

WHEREAS, SUNY’s strategic plan (The Power of SUNY) has articulated SUNY’s commitment to a set of five core values to act as a guide in pursuit of its mission: student centeredness, community engagement, diversity, integrity, and collaboration; and

WHEREAS, the University Faculty Senate has approved a Statement of Ethical Principles; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College is a diverse and inclusive college committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, and staff in a civil and caring environment; and

WHEREAS, each individual at Buffalo State College is integral to the realization of our mission, vision, and core values; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College is committed to ethical and professional conduct, and we are each responsible for conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Buffalo State College endorse and adopt the Statement of Ethical Principles approved by the State University of New York University Faculty Senate and reaffirm our commitment to academic freedom.

Statement of Ethical Principles
The University Faculty Senate of the State University of New York has developed a set of Core Values. Our Core Values of Student-Centeredness, Community Engagement, Diversity, Integrity, and Collaboration underlie the work we do and how we interact with each other, students, and our stakeholders. They articulate the basic elements of how we go about our work.

In addition, the University Faculty Senate of the State University of New York is committed to ethical and professional conduct. We are all responsible for conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards and to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures appropriate to their relationship with the university.

Among the Ethical Principles to which we commit, and that underlie our ethical conduct, are fairness, civility, character, respect, honesty, trust, transparency, and inclusivity. We strive to integrate these values into our teaching, scholarship, business practices, and daily interactions among all members of the university. The increasingly necessary relationships that have evolved between the university and outside entities, including but not limited to governmental agencies, community groups, and business firms, require that we conduct ourselves in a manner that will withstand the sharpest scrutiny.

Fairness: In our relationships with each other, we are fair and just in our decisions and actions by carefully weighing the circumstances in an equitable manner.

Civility: We achieve an open working and learning environment when each community member feels secure enough to participate in the free exchange of ideas. We ensure an honest and supportive climate that serves the interests of the institution and protects the well-being of all individuals.

Character: In order to support excellence in learning, we act in the colleges’ best interests. As a community dedicated to providing education, we demonstrate professional integrity and exemplary behavior in all that we do.

Respect: We demonstrate a high regard for the rights, diverse opinions, and lifestyles of all community members. It is our responsibility to establish a climate of mutual respect to protect the rights and freedoms of others.

Honesty: We demonstrate our honesty by being truthful with others, acting in good faith, responsibly; and with due care, competence, and diligence.

Trust: The development of trust relies on our ability to treat others equitably and in a non-exploitative manner.

Transparency: Transparency of process inspires confidence. In its simplest sense, transparency is a clear, unhindered, honest way of going about the business of the university that includes meaningful and significant representation of its members.

Inclusivity: A diversity of ideas, disciplines, and people is valued. The university cultivates a climate and community where people are welcomed, supported, safe, treated equitably, and valued. The university also strives to ensure not only access to entry but also support in ensuring equity of opportunity in all areas of the community.

SUNY is committed to maintaining its reputation for the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. We rely on each community member’s commitment to these values. Each member represented by the University Faculty Senate should operate in good faith, demonstrate respect for the rights of others, and strive at all times to maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all situations and all relationships.

These values and their descriptions are designed to be principles for SUNY agencies to consider when developing their own Ethical Principles statements, policies, and procedures, and as such do not supersede or invalidate any existing documentation in any SUNY agency. This document is not intended to be used as a policy for compliance or enforcement.

I hereby accept the recommendation of the College Senate and declare that Buffalo State College endorses and adopts the Statement of Ethical Principles approved by the State University of New York University Faculty Senate as a reaffirmation of our commitment to academic freedom. I charge all members of my cabinet with the responsibility of communicating this statement throughout their respective areas and ensuring that the statement is also communicated broadly and widely throughout the campus and our extended community.