Objectives
Within the AASTMT community, the Ethical Compliance office works to foster a culture of honesty, openness, and responsibility. It improves the institution's reputation, ensures moral conduct in academic and research endeavors, and promotes an environment where each member can flourish and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Responsibilities:
The AASTMT Ethical Compliance Office is in charge of ensuring that all departments function ethically and follow all pertinent ethical standards and norms. The ethical compliance officer oversees all AASTMT ethical issues and is extremely important in promoting and upholding ethical conduct in all facets of the university's operations. Responsibilities of the Office for Ethical Compliance and its designated official may include:
- Policy development: Creating, revising, and communicating moral policies and rules that comply with applicable laws, rules, and business norms.
- Training and education: Providing faculty, staff, and students training and educational initiatives on moral principles, behavior norms, and the value of ethical decision-making.
- Compliance monitoring: Ensuring that the university complies with ethical requirements set forth by regulatory bodies, funding agencies, and internal policies.
- Ethical reviews and assessments: Conducting ethical reviews of research projects, academic programs, and institutional activities to identify and address potential ethical issues.
- Confidential reporting mechanisms: Establishing confidential reporting channels (whistleblower hotlines or online reporting systems) to encourage the reporting of ethical concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Investigation and resolution: Investigating allegations of ethical violations and coordinating the resolution of such issues in a fair and impartial manner.
- Collaboration with other departments: Collaborating with various departments across the university, such as research compliance, legal affairs, human resources, and academic affairs, to ensure consistent ethical practices.
- External engagement: Engaging with external stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, accreditation bodies, and ethics committees, to stay current with best practices and changes in ethical standards.
- Risk management: Identifying potential ethical risks and developing strategies to mitigate them effectively.
- Reporting to senior management: Providing regular reports to university President and governing bodies on the status of ethical compliance efforts and any identified areas of concern.