Ethics

It is the policy of BGSU to pursue its mission and conduct its academic and business affairs with the highest degree of integrity and honesty and in a manner that is and appears to be in full accord with principles of academic excellence, canons of ethical and professional conduct, and all controlling law.

The Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy was approved by the BOT on June 24, 2005.

General Ethics Reminders from The Ohio Ethics Commission

  • Cannot authorize a contract or use authority to secure authorization of a contract for self, family, business associate
  • Cannot solicit or accept things of value
  • Cannot disclose or use confidential information
  • Cannot receive additional compensation for performance of official duties
  • Cannot represent parties on matters in which public servant involved
  • Cannot participate in matters where public servant has a conflict of interest i.e. when something of value will result for self, family members, others

The University has selected EthicsPoint, an independent provider of hotline services, to provide you with a simple and anonymous way to report your concerns. EthicsPoint is always available and offers multilingual translators. To submit a report online or via telephone, or to follow up on an existing report, visit the EthicsPoint website

It is the policy of BGSU to encourage its employees to report suspected misconduct and instances of fraud, waste, and/or abuse involving University resources.

Fraud is the act of making false representations of material facts whether by words or conduct, by concealing information, or by making misleading statements in order to obtain some benefit or payment that would otherwise not exist. These acts may be committed either for the person’s own benefit, or for the benefit of some other party. Of course, these acts must have been committed knowingly, willfully and intentionally.

Waste is spending money or using resources on goods or services in excess of actual need. Waste does not necessarily produce a benefit for the individual but is an act of poor management of funds.

Abuse consists of practices that cause unnecessary costs to the University. Abuse can be similar to fraud, except that it is not possible to prove that abuse was performed knowingly, willfully and intentionally.

Updated: 06/29/2020 03:22PM