Ethical Standards and Expectations
Montgomery College is committed to the ethical pursuit of the College’s mission, vision and goals. Our ethical standards provide the framework for decision-making and actions. Making ethical decisions and taking ethical actions reflect not only on each of us as employees but upon the reputation of the College among our students and within the community. These ethical standards will guide us in all that we do, especially when we are faced with difficult situations.
The College’s mission, vision and values, adopted June 20, 2011, informed the development of our Employee Code of Conduct.
Foundation of Ethical Conduct
All employees regardless of their role, faculty, staff, administrators, supervisors and students, are participating members of the educational community. The expectations in the following section provide the foundation for ethical conduct at Montgomery College. Scenarios, relevant policy and procedure, and resources for further guidance are provided to help employees address ethical issues.
What are the Ethical Standards that Guide Us?
From the Code of Ethics and Employee Conduct Policy and Procedure 31000 (PDF, 
) :
- Accountability: College employees will fulfill their roles and responsibilities to the best of their abilities. College employees will be personally accountable for the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior in all aspects of their work.
- Civility and Collegiality: College employees will work together to create a culture of civility and inclusion built on trust, respect, and dignity for all.
- Compliance: College employees will understand and comply with the codes, laws, regulations, policies and procedures that govern our College activities, as well as any standard of conduct and ethics required by professional associations of which the College or employee is a member.
- Fairness: College employees will follow and execute the policies, procedures, and standards with objectivity and consistency, without discrimination or favoritism.
- Honesty: College employees will be open, honest, and direct.
- Respect: College employees will consistently treat all people and College resources with respect.
- Stewardship: College employees will be prudent and responsible stewards of College resources.
What are our Institutional Values?
- Excellence – We value the confident pursuit of the highest quality and that its value warrants our persistent commitment.
- Integrity – We value our employees who strive to live and work by strong moral and ethical principles.
- Innovation – We infuse and energize the College, enhancing the lives of those we serve, through the creative ideas and unique talents of each employee.
- Diversity – We value the differences between people and acknowledge that these differences are a valued asset to our community.
- Stewardship - We sustain and reinvest in our mission and extended communities by wisely managing our human, natural and material resources.
- Sustainability – We sustain and reinvest in our mission and extended communities by wisely managing our human, natural and material resources.
Common Responsibilities
What does this look like in our everyday work lives? When an employee is faced with a concern, the employee should consider asking the following questions:
- Is it legal?
- Does it adhere to MC policy?
- Does it adhere to the College Labor contracts?
- Is it in line with MC Values and the Code of Ethics and Employee Standards of Conduct?
- Should the Decision Making Framework come before you ask if they are still unsure?
If you are still unsure, contact:
- your supervisor,
- the Ombuds,
- Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management,
- the head of the related compliance area,
- the Office of Compliance, Risk and Ethics,
- or the Ethics reporting line
before taking action.
For more information, refer to the Ethics Resources section.