Social and Environmental Responsibility Report

Institutional Integrity The Embry-Riddle Code of Ethical Conduct is a statement of shared commitment to the university’s values and belief in ethical, legal and professional behavior in all dealings inside and outside of the university. The core values upheld by the code are diversity, mutual respect, integrity, collegiality, academic freedom, stewardship, service, safety and student success. The code also underscores the university’s dedication to honesty, fairness, accountability, responsibility and compliance to accepted standards in all teaching, research and business activities. The Code of Ethical Conduct is posted on the university intranet, ERNIE, and is included in employee onboarding training. Annual training focused on the code is now being implemented. Regarding conflict of interest, the university strives to ensure that business decisions are made absent of inappropriate influence in order to protect the position of trust and responsibility that we hold in the community. Trustees and all employees authorized to spend university funds must disclose circumstances where real or perceived conflicts might arise, such as having direct or indirect business interest in entities who

do business with the university. Plans are implemented to separate individuals from the business decisions made regarding entities where potential conflicts exist. The policy on conflicts of interest is also posted on ERNIE. Internal audits are conducted regularly to provide assurance to the Board of Trustees and the university’s Core Leadership Team that reasonable checks and balances are in place to safeguard assets, staff are working efficiently and effectively with the resources at their disposal and opportunities to strengthen work practices are identified and implemented. The Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees operates independently of management, although management can collaborate in order to identify areas for improvement. A risk-based approach is used to select areas for review. Students and employees are encouraged to report concerns of ethical violations to a supervisor, human resources, the university’s legal department, Title IX coordinators or the Ethics Hotline (where the reporter can remain anonymous). All matters are promptly and thoroughly investigated. The reporting policy and contact information are clearly posted on ERNIE.

34 | Social and Environmental Responsibility

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