Code of Ethics

Imperative of Ethics and Conduct

The faculty of the CS department at Utah Valley University strongly supports the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Students wishing to apply for admission to a department program must read and abide by the declaration below.

ACM logo

1

Act at All Times With Integrity

Disciplinary Considerations:

  • Disciplinary actions will depend upon the nature of the offense and are up to the instructor. Repeated or flagrant violations may result in permanent expulsion from the CS programs.
  • Misuse of equipment may result in action restricting or banning future use of equipment and/or other action.

2

Strive to Increase Competence and the Competence and Prestige of the Profession

Ethical Considerations:

  • One should be willing to aid beginners without doing their work.
  • One should be willing to extend public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of information processing, and to oppose all false or deceptive statements relating to information processing.

3

Accept Responsibility for Their Work

Ethical Considerations:

  • One shall accept only work or internships for which there is a reasonable expectation of completion. Such assignments will be done in a responsible, and professional, manner as possible.

Disciplinary Considerations:

  • Misrepresentation of one's expertise shall result in a written reprimand, a copy of which will be placed in the individual's file. Subsequent violations may result in suspension from the program.

4

Act with Professional Responsibility When Working with Others

Ethical Considerations:

  • In those instances where team projects are allowed, each individual's contribution must be significant and be identified.
  • Use of a program, algorithm, or idea developed by another shall be clearly indicated in the documentation.

Disciplinary Considerations:

  • Academic dishonesty shall result in immediate expulsion from the course, possible expulsion from the program, and possible expulsion from the college.
  • Irresponsible use of facilities shall result in the loss of use of said facilities. Subsequent infractions shall result in either temporary probation or expulsion from the program.

5

Use Special Knowledge and Skills for the Advancement of Human Welfare

Ethical Considerations:

  • When dealing with data concerning individuals, one shall always adhere to the principles of individual privacy.
  • Individuals should not use computers to inflict harm on others.

Disciplinary Considerations:

  • Violations shall result in college disciplinary actions and possible civil liabilities.

References

Computer Science Code of Ethics, Eastern Washington University

Information/Computer Science Academic Honesty Policy, University of California at Irvine

ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct