By Jim Stramel (Chair, Professional Ethics and Responsibilities Committee) and Lantz Simpson (President, Faculty Association)

It has come to the attention of both the Academic Senate and the Faculty Association that perhaps one in ten persons turned in Professional Development Day attendance forms but did not attend (in whole or in part) as claimed on the forms. In one case, two people spent about 6 hours preparing to lead a session for which 30 people had signed up; only two showed up and the session could not be held. Since this concerns both the contractual duties of all employees, as well as the ethical obligations of all faculty, the Senate and the Faculty Association agreed to address this issue jointly.

    It is the duty of the Professional Development Committee (who do a very difficult job with no budget and receive insufficient praise) to plan and provide these opportunities to become informed, learn and grow, and build community; it is also their duty to report attendance to Human Resources. It is the duty of Human Resources to monitor and enforce compliance. And it is each employee's (voluntarily assumed) duty to meet his or her contractual obligations on Flex Day.

    Now (at the risk of sounding like finger-wagging moralists), it takes only a moment's reflection to realize that in addition to our contractual duties there is also an ethical obligation to participate – or to take a sick day (and report it!).  The Preamble to our Statement on Professional Ethics says that “we carry out our professional duties honestly, fairly, and reflectively while showing respect for all persons.” On the face of it, making such false claims is dishonest, and violates the fundamental duty of fidelity - of keeping one's commitments and fulfilling one's responsibilities. Further, to lie about attendance is to commit fraud - albeit minor - against the College, because one claims credit for attendance, for which one is paid. It is also disrespectful of your colleagues who have worked to put these days together or who lead sessions. It also puts those charged with compliance in the difficult position of deciding whether to “bust” someone.

    Our students will not like every assignment; nevertheless, we expect them to meet the requirements of the course. And we do not tolerate cheating. The College is currently considering the implementation of an honor code for students. How can we expect academic integrity from our students if we are not ourselves models – exemplars - of academic integrity and professionalism? We are all committed to the common good of this College and our students … aren't we?