Integrity is one of the core values of Old Dominion University. Thus, we are committed to lawful and ethical behavior in all of the University's activities. At ODU, we insist that all members of the university community – board members, employees, students, and volunteers – comply with all laws, regulations, policies, and ethical norms applicable to them. More generally, we are to be honest, fair, and trustworthy ourselves and to take care that other members of the university community are as well.
The Board of Visitors of Old Dominion University acknowledges the Code of Ethics established for its employees, students, volunteers and vendors (University Policy 1002 – Code of Ethics), and adopts its own Code of Ethics for members of the Board.
We, as members of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors, will:
- Obey the laws, regulations, and policies applicable to our positions and university-related activities;
- Utilize our best efforts to protect and preserve university resources and ensure their proper use;
- Avoid both conflicts of interests and the appearance of such conflicts;
- Promptly complete Conflict of Interest Training and Certification as required for board membership;
- Safeguard confidential information;
- Make procurement decisions impartially and objectively;
- Ensure, through open communication with the University's internal and state auditors, that effective internal controls are in place to safeguard the transactional integrity of our activities;
- Treat other members of the University community with dignity and respect;
- Ensure, through the establishment of appropriate policies and procedures, that enforceable measures are in place to protect members of the University community from illegal discrimination or harassment; and
- Report any illegal or unethical action that comes to our attention, so the University can investigate and take corrective steps.
This Code of Ethics was adopted by the Board of Visitors of Old Dominion University on April 22, 2022.