CASE Statement of Ethics

Institutional advancement professionals, by nature of our responsibilities within the academic community, represent our schools, colleges, and universities to the larger society. We have, therefore, a duty to exemplify the best qualities of our institutions and to observe the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

We conduct ourselves in a manner which is consistent with the best interests of the institution we represent.

Our words and actions embody respect for truth, fairness, free inquiry, and the opinions of others.

We promote the merits of our institutions, and of education generally, respecting both our colleagues and the mission of each institution.

We respect, celebrate, and include all individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, physical ability, or age.We uphold the professional reputation of colleague advancement professionals and give credit for ideas, words, or images originated by others.

We communicate clearly and fairly with others, remaining mindful of the importance of representing our institution’s mission and interests.

We safeguard privacy rights and confidential information.

We do not grant or accept gifts or services for personal or individual professional gain, nor do we solicit or accept gifts or services for our institutions in which a higher public interest would be violated.

We avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest and, if in doubt, seek guidance regarding how to proceed.

We report transgressions and/or unethical activities to the appropriate authority in order that the institution take the necessary action.

We bring abusive and/or harassing conduct to the attention of institutional leadership in order that individuals who have been subject to such abuse are protected.

We follow the letter and spirit of pertinent laws and regulations, understanding that those strictures might be different in other countries and cultures.

We align the policies and procedures of our department with those of other departments, in order that the institution can have a holistic and integrated approach to ethical conduct.

We observe these standards and others that apply to our profession and actively encourage colleagues to join us in supporting the highest standards of conduct.

The CASE Board of Trustees adopted this Statement of Ethics to guide and reinforce our professional conduct. The Board adopted the final text on 12 March 2020. This Statement is meant to align with the CASE Principles of Practice for the professional areas as well as the CASE Zero Tolerance Pledge.