James Madison University

Finance

Code of Ethics

The Finance Office is committed to the preparation of students to be educated and enlightened citizens who will lead productive and meaningful lives.

The Finance Office shall provide superior customer service while insuring proper internal control and maintaining compliance with university, state, and federal laws and policies. The Finance Office conducts its affairs and administers the university’s financial records at the highest level of professionalism and in an ethical manner as to ensure that those records meet the test of public scrutiny and prudent fiscal stewardship.

The adopted values and work accomplished by the Finance Office are based on high ethical standards. Ethics focus on behavioral choices made in the execution of duties and responsibilities. The James Madison University Finance Office’s professional ethics include:

Trust

Rely on others to uphold their covenants, believe in their ability and willingness to do so, rely on and be confident in the character, ability, strength, and truth of others.

Honesty

Be fair and straight-forward in conduct, refuse to harbor hidden agenda, commit to objective decision making, where each individual, unit, or department is treated fairly in an environment free from bias or favoritism.

Integrity

Adhere to the university’s values and make decisions based on the greater good to the university and not to the individual. Avoid conflicts of interest by meeting the university’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Respect

Believe that all members of the university community are worthy of high regard and the treatment of all with civility and consideration.

Reliability

Provide full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable work. Take responsibility for the work and services performed. Be responsive to the needs of the university community.

Due Care

Exercise due professional care in the performance of our work. Treat confidential information as such; adhere to good data stewardship.

Continuing Education

Continue to enhance our professional competencies by participating in professional development opportunities.

Any violation of James Madison University’s Finance Code of Ethics should be reported promptly to the Assistant Vice President for Finance.