Mississippi State University Extension Service Code of Ethics The Mississippi State University Extension Service recognizes its employees as its greatest asset. The guiding principles of respect, integrity, diligence, and professionalism are paramount in ensuring that Extension employees live up to their ethical obligations as public servants. Extension workers are expected at all times to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the organization, and they should never undertake any action that would jeopardize the respectability or effectiveness of the organization and its employees. This “Code of Ethics” provides the minimum standards of respect, integrity, diligence, and professionalism expected of public servants. It is intended to increase employees’ sensitivity to ethical obligations and to encourage pursuit of the highest ideals and principles that give the Extension Service its greatest strength - a spirit of service and responsibility to the community. This document does not specify every potential act of behavior, but it does outline the obligations, expectations, and responsibilities generally expected of Extension employees in their relationships with the university, colleagues, and the public. Respect Extension employees should interact respectfully with clients, other staff, and members of the community. Extension regards a staff member’s personal behavior towards and interaction with others as a vital part of the duties of his or her position. A respectful and cooperative working environment should always be maintained at the highest level. The Extension Service seeks to create an environment where all persons are treated equitably and respectfully, where individual rights are recognized, where efforts of staff and clients are encouraged, and where achievements are given due recognition. As an Extension employee, you should treat clients, other employees, and members of the community equitably and with respect. • Be courteous and responsive in dealing with others. • Always be fair in supervising people. • Make decisions that are procedurally fair. • Make decisions based on relevant considerations. • Avoid discrimination, for example, on grounds such as gender, race, or religion. • Engage in rational debate and allow alternative points of view to be expressed. • Avoid behavior that might reasonably be perceived as harassing, bullying, or intimidating. • Value and honor all people and all reasonable requests; follow the Golden Rule. • Have an open mind and fairly listen to and acknowledge the opinions and differences of others. • Strive to provide accurate unbiased information based on sound scientific research. Integrity Extension employees are placed in positions of trust. Employees manage resources, have access to information, and make decisions that affect themselves and others. The trust that is placed in Extension employees requires honest, fair, and proper conduct. Employees should be above reproach in carrying out their duties and should avoid conflicts between their private interests and their professional responsibilities with respect to the following situations: Personal relationships: Avoid situations where decisions are made that affect another person, another person’s property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action. Strive for appropriate behavior and maintain boundaries between professional and personal life that will ensure that the professional and personal standing of all persons will be upheld. Financial relationships: Avoid involvement in financial transactions that may be seen or perceived as a conflict of interest. Approved accounting principles should be applied to financial accounts supervised by Extension employees. Receipt of gifts: Abstain from asking for or receiving any form of gift or benefit that will be perceived as an inducement or that will create a conflict of interest. Outside work: Strictly adhere to the Mississippi State University policy regarding outside work and consulting. Do not engage in any consultative work that would be regarded as part of an Extension employee’s regular duties. Use of confidential information: Respect the privacy of others and ensure that information of a personal nature is not disclosed except where policy expressly permits. External comment: Refrain from gossip, negative comments, or any action that is detrimental to clientele, fellow employees, or the organization. Diligence The Extension Service aims to achieve the highest standards of excellence in meeting the needs of clientele. All employees contribute to these standards and should carry out their duties honestly and conscientiously. Staff should at all times conduct themselves in a manner that will strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the Mississippi State University Extension Service and should undertake all duties to the best of their abilities. Employees should be diligent in these ways: • Carry out official decisions and policies faithfully and impartially. • Seek to attain the highest possible standards of performance. • Exercise care for others in educational and employment-related activities. • Ensure that personal use of alcohol, tobacco products, and other drugs does not interfere with the proper performance of Extension activities and duties. • Adhere to professional codes of conduct. • Be present at work as required. • Obey all lawful and reasonable instructions. • Provide honest feedback on progress and opportunities. • Manage time and resources wisely. • Share knowledge, ideas, and skills with others. Professionalism Encompassed in the belief system of the Extension Service is a desire to encourage responsibility, foster pride, care for clients and co-workers, express mutual trust, and believe that each person is unique and valuable. This desire must be grounded in a spirit of professionalism that involves privileges and responsibilities as well as rewards and obligations. In the spirit of professionalism, each Extension employee should uphold these principles: • Demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic work attitude. • Follow Extension policies, regulations, and procedures. • Demonstrate interest in ethical, political, economic, and environmental issues that affect the Extension Service and the careers of Extension employees. • Pursue professional development opportunities and life-long learning • Strive to work for the benefit of others. • Be a role model and mentor to new employees. • Take personal pride in image, dress, and appearance. • Adhere to a standard of dress that is always neat and appropriate and that portrays the professional image expected by our clientele. • Avoid wasteful use of finances and other resources. • Protect public property. • Perform official duties honestly, faithfully, and efficiently, respecting the rights of the public and colleagues. • Avoid behavior that might impair effectiveness. • Maintain professional skills at the highest level. • Recognize the importance of current events. By Extension Ethics Committee and Jackie Courson, Assistant Director for County Programs Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. Information Sheet 1631 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U. S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Joe H. McGilberry, Interim Director (1M-8-01) Copyright 2001 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Visit: DAFVM || USDA Search our Site || Need more information about this subject? Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Feb-09 14:06:12 URL: http://msucares.com/pubs/infosheets/is1631.htm Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. 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