CS Imperative of Ethics and Conduct
The Computer Science (CS) department recognizes the need for an ethical standard that all computing sciences students should abide by. students wishing to apply for admission to a degree program must read and abide by this declaration.
Imperatives of Professional Conduct for Students
The faculty of the CS department at Utah Valley University strongly supports the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (http://www.acm.org/constitution/code.html). The CS code of ethics and conduct, based on the ACM code, is summarized below.
Imperative 1:
- A student in a CS department program shall act at all times with integrity.
Ethical Considerations:
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.
Imperative 2:
- A CS major should strive to increase his/her 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.
Imperative 3:
- A CS major shall accept responsibility for her/his 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 as responsible and as 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. Repetition of the violation of this ethic may result in suspension from the program.
Imperative 4:
- A CS major shall 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. continued infraction of this ethic shall result in either temporary probation or expulsion from the program.
Imperative 5:
- A CS major should use his 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:
- Violation of this canon shall result in college disciplinary actions and possible civil liabilities, along with computer access, goes a good measure of responsibility.
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
