- Professional Ethics
In developing a statement of faculty
responsibilities and ethical standards, Texas Woman's University subscribes
to the belief that self-regulation is preferable to any externally imposed
discipline.
Despite the fluidity of moral standards,
certain principles seem to shape the development of moral thinking and
therefore direct most ethical policies. Four such principles are
beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and autonomy. Beneficence means doing
good, or acting in a positive manner with kindness and charity towards
others. Nonmaleficence demands refraining from behaviors that might
aggravate a problem or cause a negative response. Such restraint implies the
obligation of primum non nocere, or "do no harm." Justice can be
described as fairness, that all people should receive what is due to them.
The principle of justice is meant to address the problems of social inequity
caused by culturally and economically diverse populations. Finally, autonomy
encourages us to allow individuals to be as independent as possible, to
permit them to make their own choices, and to govern themselves.
The following policy has been modified
from the AAUP "Statement on Professional Ethics" (1987).
Professors, guided by a deep conviction
of the worth and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognize the
unique responsibilities placed upon faculty to seek and to state the truth
as they see it. To this end, they must devote their energies to develop
and improve scholarly competence. Faculty are obligated to exercise
critical self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and transmitting
knowledge. They must be aware of their limitations, including their levels
of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Professors must seek to be cognizant of
current trends and developments in their professional areas. They are
expected to practice intellectual honesty at all times.
Professors encourage the free pursuit of
learning in their students. They hold before students the best scholarly
standards for their discipline. They demonstrate respect for students as
individuals and adhere to their proper role as intellectual mentor. Faculty
refrain from acting in a way that may prove demeaning or discriminating to a
student. They make every reasonable effort to assure that the evaluation of
students reflects the students' true merits. Professors recognize the
confidential nature of the relationship between instructor and student
(Family Educational rights and Privacy Act, 1998). Acknowledging that they
hold power over their students, faculty avoid exploitation, either in a
psychological, financial, or sexual manner.
As colleagues, professors have
obligations that derive from common membership in the community of
scholars. Professors do not discriminate against or harass colleagues. They
respect and defend the free inquiry of associates. In the exchange of
criticism and ideas, faculty show due respect for the opinion of others and
strive to be objective. They accept their share of faculty responsibilities
for the governance of the institution and put forth honest effort in the
performance of their duties.
As members of their institution, faculty
seek above all to be effective teachers and scholars. Although they observe
the stated regulations, provided they do not contravene academic freedom
within the institution, they maintain the right to criticize and seek
revision. Professors determine the amount and character of the work they do
outside the institution with due regard to their paramount responsibilities
within it.
As members of the community, professors
have the rights and responsibilities of citizens. They measure the urgency
of the obligations in the light of their responsibilities to the student,
to their profession, and to their institution.
APPROVED: 6/88
REV: 3/04
