The formative and socializing role of higher education in educating the culturally diverse group of the ever-expanding student body places an additional responsibility on the entire academic community. It is now essential to deepen ethical awareness of the students, enabling them to act with integrity and to examine continuously the ethical underpinnings and implications of their actions in the context of the wider community. Institutions of higher learning need to create an ethos wherein the students understand their own role in creating ethical environment. The credibility of higher institutions rests on activities related to teaching and learning, research and the transparency and integrity of these procedures. As an institution of higher learning SPMC has developed a code of ethics which forms the basis of our educational and research activities and processes. The primary objectives of the ethics committee is to:
- maintain integrity and transparency of the teaching-learning process
- uphold equity, justice and non-discrimination
- promote fearless, responsible and open discussion
- promote professional commitment and accountability
- foster academic integrity and ethical conduct of research
The Ethics Committee upholds a strict code of ethics in the role of the teacher and in their relationship with students, and in the use of technology.
Teachers are encouraged to work towards:
- Knowing and upholding the norms, procedures, laws and regulations relevant to professional practice regardless of personal views
- Making themselves responsible for ethical conduct and professional competence
- Influencing and supporting decisions and actions that positively impact teaching and learning, educational leadership and student services
- Remaining steadily committed towards continuous professional learning/evolution
- Enhancing the professional growth and development of new educators by supporting effective field experiences, mentoring or induction activities across the career continuum
- Collaborating with community agencies, organizations, and individuals in order to advance students’ best interests without regard to personal reward or remuneration
- Respecting colleagues as fellow professionals and maintaining civility when differences arise
- Collaborating with colleagues in a manner that supports academic achievement and related goals that promote the best interests of students
- Ensuring that the workplace environment facilitates academic learning and progress
The teachers are cautioned in their interaction with students:
- To interact and communicate with students in a transparent, clear, respectful and culturally sensitive manner maintaining the professional dignity of student-teacher relationship.
- Establishing and maintaining an environment that promotes the emotional, intellectual, physical, and sexual safety of all students.
- Advocating for adequate resources and facilities to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
In the use of technology the teacher is cautioned to:
- Use technology in a responsible manner.
- Use social media responsibly, transparently, and primarily for purposes of teaching.
- Appreciate the nuances of accessing, documentation and use of proprietary materials and understanding how to recognize and prevent plagiarism by students and educators.