Code of Conduct for Business Activities
I. A) Preamble
The University of North Dakota is committed to ethical and professional conduct. The leadership of the University expects that each individual performing any activities on behalf of the University will adhere to those standards in the performance of her/his duties.

It is the responsibility of each individual—faculty or staff member, student employee, or volunteer acting on behalf of the University—to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures that apply to her/his particular duties. In addition, it is the responsibility of supervisors both to ensure that their staff receive adequate information and training to permit full compliance with this policy and to monitor their compliance.

There may be instances when a policy or regulation appears difficult to interpret or to apply. In those cases, clarification should be sought through the normal supervisory channels. If necessary, further questions should be directed to the administrative office that has responsibility for the oversight of that policy or to the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Operations or the Vice President for Research.

I. B) Reporting of Suspected Violations
a. Duty to Report — To maintain the highest standards of business conduct, the University depends on each individual to report potential or perceived conflicts of interest involving themselves or others (discussed below) and suspected violations of applicable laws, regulations, government contract and grant requirements, or of this Code (together referred to as "violations"). Failure to report known or suspected violations is itself a breach of University ethical standards and can lead to discipline, up to and including separation from the University.

b. Reporting Procedures — Employees should understand that the University encourages reporting of violations and makes available a wide variety of ways that can be done. Personnel are encouraged to report violations to their immediate supervisor, but may also report to more senior management. In addition, reports of research misconduct can be submitted to http://www.und.edu/dept/rdc/Reporting%20ScientificMisconduct.htm
and reports of other violations can be submitted to http://www.und.edu/dept/fraudhotline/index.html.

It is University policy that all reports will be investigated by either the Vice President for Research in the case of research related misconduct or Internal Auditing Department or Human Resources in the case of other violations.

c. Confidentiality — Reports of suspected violations may be made confidentially, and even anonymously, although the more information given, the easier it is to investigate the reports. The University will take all appropriate steps to ensure the level of confidentiality desired, but sometimes the institution's legal obligations to investigate or address a violation will override the individual's wish for confidentiality. It is against University policy, and in many cases illegal, to retaliate against a person (e.g. by terminating a job) who reports a violation of law, regulation or grant or contract requirement.

d. Cooperation — All employees must cooperate fully in the investigation of any misconduct.