Chancellor’s Update: Our Behavior and Actions Matter

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Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
Throughout 2018 I have been sharing messages, videos and slide shows about UWM’s Guiding Values, showcasing UWM’s commitment to be caring, collegial and ethical, among other things. This message augments my monthly communications focused on one specific value.

I want all UWM campuses to be welcoming, safe and healthy for our students, employees and visitors. Below I share reminders and resources about how all of us – through behavior, actions, communication and more – can do our part.

Code of Conduct 
UWM’s Code of Conduct puts our Guiding Values into action by outlining expectations of proper behavior at UWM, including:

• Integrity
• Trustworthiness
• Equity
• Respect
• Stewardship
• Compliance
• Confidentiality
• Personal Responsibility

It is a rare university that enacts a campus-wide Code of Conduct like ours. To read the entire code, click here.

Ethics 
Like other state employees, UWM faculty and staff are subject to ethical rules governing the use of university resources, conflicts of interest and acceptance of gifts. Generally, an employee may not use his or her university position to gain private financial or other benefits for the employee, the employee’s immediate family or an outside organization.  Please click here for more details on these rules.

In addition, UWM takes very seriously any employee actions or failure to act that results in improper personal gain, such as theft, misappropriation, and credit card/travel expense fraud.  For the policy on fiscal misconduct, click here.

Discrimination
UWM is committed to a campus environment that respects people’s rights to learn, work, live and participate in activities free from discrimination and harassment based on protected status such as sex, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation and others. UWM’s Discriminatory Conduct and Consensual Relationships Policy provides guidance to report potentially violating behavior. Read the full policy, which also covers sexual harassment and sexual violence, here.

Executive Order 54
UWM strives to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone involved in university activities. In 2011 the Governor signed Executive Order #54, which requires all UWS employees to report incidents of child abuse and neglect. You may encounter children at UWM through various programs, camps and events. To read about our responsibilities in this area, please click here.

IT Usage
Information technology resources and their security are a significant responsibility for UWM. Technology is critical to providing an outstanding learning environment, conducting exceptional research and being a leader in community engagement and talent pipeline. Using IT resources properly is everyone’s responsibility – whether it’s protecting confidential information, being mindful of phishing and spamming attempts or using resources responsibly. Regent Policy Document 25-3, Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources is the governing policy on student, faculty, staff and visitor use of UWM IT resources.

UW System Hotline
Occurrences of fraud, waste and abuse are rare, but even one instance can hurt UWM. UWS provides an easy and anonymous hotline for students, staff, and faculty to report behavior they believe to be wasteful or in violation of our policies. Reporting is possible on a 24/7 basis, either via the website or (855) 827-4950.

Freedom of Expression
Part of UWM’s stance on inclusivity includes supporting free speech and upholding the First Amendment. As a public university, we will always be a forum for the free exchange of ideas, even if some of those ideas are offensive or challenging. In October 2017, the UWS Board of Regents adopted Regent Policy Document (RPD) 4-21, Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, affirming the Board’s commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Political Activity
As a state agency, it is important for UWM to ensure that employees do not use university resources, including work-time and facilities, for political campaign activity. For more information about political activities on campus, please see UWS’ publishedGuidance on Political Campaign Activities.

Whether you are located in Milwaukee, Washington County or Waukesha, your actions affect the UWM environment. Thank you for your contributions and your role in UWM being a safe, ethical and healthy place to learn and work.

Mark A. Mone
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee