Ethics and Conduct Policy - 63.09

College Procedure Number/Title:

• 63.09A     Whistleblower Policy
• 63.09.01  Absence From Work
• 63.09.02  Confidentiality
• 63.09.03  Gifts and Honorariums
• 63.09.04  Identification Cards
• 63.09.05  Keys/Access Cards
• 63.09.06  Parking and Traffic Control
• 63.09.07  Personal Mail -- see 70.03.02
• 63.09.08  Personal Telephone Calls -- see 61.12.06
• 63.09.09  Use of College Resources and Property
• 63.09.10  Political Activities
• 63.09.11  Proper Use of Information Technology -- see 61.12
• 63.09.12  Outside And/Or Additional Employment   
• 63.09.13  Nepotism
• 63.09.14  Employee Code of Conduct  
• 63.09.15  Events and Receptions  
• 63.09.16  Duty of Employees to Report Arrests, Charges, and Convictions
• 63.09.17 Endorsement Procedure

Howard Community College (HCC) is committed to the highest standards of ethical treatment of its students and employees; the college also holds employees to the highest standards for ethical conduct. These standards are in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and with college policies and procedures. Beyond the laws, regulations, policies and procedures, employees are asked to thoughtfully consider the ethical implications of all actions.

Maryland Public Ethics Law

Howard Community College employees are subject to all provisions of the Maryland Public Ethics Law and Code of Conduct as they apply to state employees and are responsible for becoming familiar with all provisions of the Public Ethics Law.

The law and code of conduct include the following key provisions:

1. There will be no conflict of interest or even the appearance of conflict of interest between an employee’s work responsibilities and any other interests, business associations, or activities of any kind. A conflict of interest situation is one in which an employee influences or is in a position to influence HCC decisions for personal financial gain or benefits. A conflict of interest situation is also one in which outside activities substantially interfere with an employee’s obligations to students, colleagues, or the college.
2. An employee may not participate in a contract with the college as a vendor, as either an individual or through a business capacity. Additionally, a business in which an employee has a financial interest may not participate in a contract with the college as a vendor, regardless of the value of the contract. This prohibition also applies where an official’s or employee’s relatives (spouse, children, sibling, or parents), or certain entities has/have an interest. Non-participation includes any discussion, advising or deciding of the matter and requires disclosure of the conflict.
    
3. Employees are obligated to maintain confidentiality of student and employee information.
    
4. Board members and key employees are required to disclose information as provided by the law.

Howard Community College Conduct Requirements

Howard Community College expects that its employees meet ethical and professional standards for personal conduct and work performance detailed in procedure 63.09.14, Employee Code of Conduct.

Infractions

Infractions of this policy include but are not limited to violations of college policies, procedures, and practices; insubordination; illegal acts; willful neglect of duty; or unprofessional or unethical conduct. Misconduct will result in disciplinary action and may be cause for suspension or dismissal. Additionally, an employee may be subject to an enforcement action by the State Ethics Commission.

In accordance with college procedure 63.09.16, Duty of Employees to Report Arrests, Charges, and Convictions, a college employee who is arrested, charged, or convicted of certain crimes must report the action to the chief human resources officer within 72 hours.

Effective Date: 06/30/22

President's Office Use: CHRO/PRES