Code of ethics adopted for University

Concluding discussions they began nearly two years ago, the BGSU trustees on June 24 enacted a University-wide Code of Ethics and Conduct.

The code summarizes the ethical principles and standards of conduct found in a number of University governance documents such as the BGSU Faculty Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. It does not replace the more detailed standards found in those documents, but is meant to encompass the entire campus community.

The Code of Ethics and Conduct appears on the University’s Web site at www.bgsu.edu/offices/president/page11661.html.

In other action, the board:

• Adopted a resolution regarding appropriations enacted in Ohio House Bill 16, allocating $500,000 each for use at the Perrysburg Heights Multipurpose Facility and the Wood County Senior Kitchen Project. The allocations, part of this state capital bill, are to improve those facilities and enhance opportunities for clinical training and educational experiences that further BGSU’s mission.

The board authorizes the president, once regulatory criteria and intent have been met, to proceed with the execution of appropriate joint-use agreements for review and approval by the Ohio Board of Regents.

“This is a very worthwhile project,” Ribeau noted, adding that it is consistent with the University‘s academic commitments. The funds do not come out of BGSU’s capital budget, but the University has the responsibility to provide the academic component in the partnerships.

• Passed a resolution in support of incorporating the scholarship of engagement into the faculty recognition and reward system. Over the past academic year, the engagement initiative examined how the expertise of faculty, staff and students, partnered with those outside academia, can play a role in economic development and the enhancement of life for all Ohioans.

Ribeau cited the GEAR UP program, in which BGSU works with teachers and families in East Toledo schools, as an example of successful partnering that has resulted in the schools’ moving from the classification of “academic emergency” to “continuing improvement.”

“To move from ‘academic emergency’ to ‘continuing improvement’ in such a short time is really extraordinary,” Ribeau said. “I have to give the credit not only to the schools but to our faculty and students who have been working with them.”

• Granted limited authority for the University to invest in property adjacent to the Bowling Green campus through July 1, 2007, with the stipulation that the aggregate purchase price should not exceed $1 million. The goal is to give BGSU the opportunity to invest in desirable properties should they become available.

• Endorsed a proposal for a master of arts degree in cross-cultural international education, which now goes to the board of regents for approval. “This fits nicely with the ‘Understanding Cultures and Nations’ component of the Academic Plan,” Folkins said, adding that because it builds on faculty and programs already in place at BGSU, it will not require significant additional investment.

• Adopted three charter amendments. They include: adding an elected undergraduate and a graduate student representative to the committee overseeing the evaluation of the vice president for academic affairs; establishing the method of payment of unused and accrued sick leave for retiring faculty, and updating the charter regarding faculty rights under academic reconfiguration. Previously, the charter stated that affected faculty would be eligible for the early retirement program, but since that no longer exists, other provisions were made.

• Approved a recommendation from Classified Staff Council that an additional two members be added to council, representing the areas of University advancement and/or student affairs.

Reporting for the Evaluation Committee on another matter, Trustee Mike Marsh said that, in order to be in compliance with the 2004 American Jobs Creation Act, it was necessary to consolidate a number of previous agreements related to deferred compensation for Ribeau. The new agreement restates in one document the president’s compensation but does not result in any additional benefits for Ribeau, who also declined the 3 percent raise approved for faculty and staff.

In a surprise announcement, Board Chair Ed Ferkany announced he is stepping down from the board a year early to move to Florida. Citing personal, mainly health, reasons, Ferkany read a letter to Gov. Bob Taft informing him of his resignation. “It is with great regret that I will not complete my final year,” Ferkany said, but since university trustees are required to live in the state, he must resign. Taft will appoint his successor.

Calling him “the epitome of leadership,” Trustee Sharon Cook said Ferkany had always been “the voice of reason” on the board and would be sorely missed. President Ribeau concurred, adding that Ferkany’s wisdom and strong sense of ethics “will leave a lasting impression on the quality of the University.”

Earlier, Cook was elected chair of the board for the coming year. Mike Wilcox will be vice chair.