Ethical Concerns

Have a difficult decision to make?

Every day members of the USM community face difficult decisions. When taking action, or observing someone else's actions, consider the following information to help you better understand the next step to undertake.

OBTAIN GUIDANCE FROM THE CODE

Review the Code of Ethical Conduct for guidance by clicking the button below. 

 USM CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT 

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION QUESTIONS

If you still are unsure of how to proceed after reading the Code of Ethical Conduct, ask yourself the questions listed below.

Question One: Is the action they are contemplating undertaking legal?

Proceed to act based on your answer to the above-referenced question. If the answer is yes, proceed to question two.  If you are unsure about the answer, ask for help.  

If the answer is no, do not proceed because there may be serious consequences for the individual and the University. The individual should contact the Office of Compliance and Ethics for other options.

Question Two: If the action is legal, the individual must ask themselves if it aligns with the Universities' values and policies?

• If the answer is yes, proceed to question three. If you are unsure about the answer, ask for help.
• If the answer is no, do not proceed because there may be serious consequences for the individual and the University. The individual should contact the Office of Compliance and Ethics for other options.

Question Three: Would you feel comfortable if others knew about it?

If the answer is yes, proceed to question four. If you are unsure about the answer, ask for help.

If the answer is no, do not proceed because there may be serious consequences for the individual and the University.  The individual should contact the Office of Compliance and Ethics for other options. If the answer is no, do not proceed because there may be serious consequences for the individual and the University. 

Question Four: Would you want to read about it in tomorrow's news?

• If the answer is yes, then proceed with taking the action you are contemplating. If you are unsure about the answer, ask for help.
• If the answer is no, do not proceed because there may be serious consequences for the individual and the University.  END OF QUESTIONS

 SEEK ASSISTANCE AND/RAISE A CONCERN

If you are still unsure of how to proceed, seek out assistance using one of the following options for seeking assistance or raising concerns:

your supervisor or other management
Office of Compliance and Ethics
Office of Internal Audit
Office of General Counsel
Human Resources
the Compliance and Ethics Helpline (anonymously if desired)