AP 3050 Institutional Code of Ethics
References:
NWCCU 2020 Standards 2.D.2 and 2.D.3
ORS 244 Government Ethics Law and Oregon Government Ethics Law
Purpose
Rogue Community College expects all employees, officers, and agents, including administrators, staff, faculty, board members, volunteers, and others acting on behalf of the College, to act with honesty, professionalism, and transparency in service to students and the public trust. Under Oregon Ethics Law, all are considered “public officials,” irrespective of whether they are compensated.
Financial and Personal Gain
Public officials may not use their position for financial or personal gain, or to avoid a financial or personal loss, for themselves or their family members. Family members include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Siblings and their spouses
- Parents
- Individuals the public official has a legal duty to support
- Individuals who receive benefits through the public official’s College employment
- Individuals who provide benefits to the public official or candidate through their employment
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist whenever an action, decision, or recommendation made by a public official in their official capacity could result in financial or personal gain, or avoid a financial or personal loss, for the official, their family member, or a business associated with them.
Public officials must disclose potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest to their supervisor, Human Resources, or another appropriate College authority. When a conflict of interest is identified, the College may develop a written mitigation plan to manage it. A mitigation plan may include measures such as recusal from decision-making, reassignment of duties, or additional oversight to ensure fairness and transparency.
Gifts
Public officials may not solicit or accept honoraria, rebates, gifts, money, gratuities, services, promises of future contracts, or compensation from any single source that has, or could reasonably be seen to have, a financial, personal, administrative, or other interest. A gift is something of economic value given to a public official or their family members without payment or other equal value in return. Examples include meals, textbooks for personal use, or trips.
This prohibition does not apply to:
- Certificates, plaques, commemorative tokens, or other items valued at less than $50
- Honoraria received for services related to the public official’s private profession, occupation, or expertise
Textbooks furnished to faculty by the College or by publishers are deemed the property of the College. Any proceeds from the sale of such textbooks must be remitted to the College.
Use of College Resources
College resources, including facilities, equipment, technology, supplies, and funds, must be used responsibly and only for legitimate College purposes. Personal use of College resources is not permitted except where specifically authorized.
Records and Confidential Information
Public officials are expected to maintain accurate and truthful College records. Falsification or misrepresentation of records is prohibited.
Confidential or sensitive information learned in the course of College duties must be safeguarded and not used for personal gain or advantage.
Board Service / External Boards
Employees, officers, and agents who serve on external boards or committees in their capacity as representatives of the College are subject to this Code of Ethics. They must disclose such service and comply with this procedure.
Employees may also be invited to serve on boards or committees in a professional capacity because of their expertise or role in higher education, even if not formally appointed as RCC’s representative. If the board’s work could reasonably intersect with the College’s interests, individuals must disclose the service and follow the conflict-of-interest requirements of this procedure.
Service on external boards that are purely personal or civic in nature (for example, neighborhood associations or youth sports leagues) is generally outside the scope of this procedure.
When serving in any capacity related to public affairs or policy, individuals must also comply with AP 7370 (Political Activity – Employees), especially regarding the use of College resources, political advocacy, and duties during work time.
Professional Conduct
Public officials are expected to perform their duties ethically, competently, and in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
Enforcement
Violations of this procedure may result in corrective or disciplinary action, subject to applicable contracts, policies, procedures, and regulations.
Rescinds Procedure Number: None
Approved: April 13, 2020
Revised: November 18, 2025