I. Purpose and Scope

Northeastern University is committed to operating within the highest standards of integrity and ethics, and to fostering a culture of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and university policies in all its activities. Faculty and staff have an obligation to perform their responsibilities in a manner that supports and advances the university’s mission, goals, and ethical standards.

This policy applies to all Northeastern University faculty and staff.

II. Definitions

N/A

III. Policy

All faculty and staff are required to comply with all applicable university policies including, without limitation, the Code of Ethical Conduct, applicable Human Resources policies, and the core compliance policies listed within each section below.

A. Compliance with Laws, Rules, and Regulations

• Code of Ethical Conduct
• Policy on Student Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Policy on Drug-Free Workplace
• Policy on Environmental Health & Safety
• Policy on Export Control
• Policy on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

B. Good Faith Conduct and Accountability

The university expects all employees to be truthful, to act in good faith in university endeavors, and to take responsibility for their actions.

• Whistleblower Policy
• Policy on Political Campaign and Lobbying Activity
• Policy on Use of University Social Media Accounts

C. Respect for the Rights and Dignity of Others

All faculty and staff are expected to treat other members of the community with respect and professionalism. Illegal or inappropriate workplace threats, violence, harassment, intimidation, coercion, and discrimination are prohibited.

• Policy on Equal Opportunity
• Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX
• Policy on Non-Fraternization
• Policy on Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus
• Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Resources
• Policy on Workplace Violence

D. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

All employees are expected to avoid actions or engagements that are in conflict with their position, and must report potential conflicts, whether financial, personal, or potential “appearance of conflict” issues. Employees may not use their position for personal advantage.

• Policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment
• Policy on Gift Acceptance
• Policy on Endorsements and Use of University Identifiers

E. Protection and Proper Use of University Assets

Faculty and staff must maintain the confidentiality of nonpublic university information, records and data entrusted to them.

• Policy on Confidentiality of University Records and Information

All employees must safeguard and respect university property and resources, and report fraud, waste and abuse.

• Policy on Signature Authority
• Whistleblower Policy
• Policy on Use of University Funds
• Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Resources
• Policy on Retention and Disposition of University Record
• Policy on Asset Disposition
• Policy on Handling Payments Made to the University

IV. Additional Information

The university expects all faculty, including part-time faculty, and all staff to adhere to and act in accordance with this policy, and to be familiar and comply with the current version of all applicable university policies, including those specifically listed above. Failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action up to termination, or the pursuit of civil or criminal proceedings as appropriate.

The university retains the right to issue, amend, or withdraw a university policy at any time. 

V. Contact Information

Human Resources (617) 373-2230; hrst@northeastern.edu
Compliance: compliance@northeastern.edu
Finance (617) 373-2240
Audit and Advisory Services (617) 373-4041
ITS (617) 373-4357
Office for University Equity and Compliance (617) 373-4644
Environmental Health and Safety (617) 373-2769
Marketing and Communications (617) 373-5470
Government Relations (617) 373-8528

Responsible Office/Department(s)

Human Resources

Related Policies

Code of Ethical Conduct

Faculty Handbook

Related Procedures

N/A

Supersedes

N/A

Keywords

Behavior; Conduct; Ethics; Compliance; Environment; Conflicts of Interest; Gifts; Confidentiality; Endorsements; Vendors; Appropriate Use (Computers); Property; Records; Signature Authority; Contracts; Relationships; Sexual Harassment; Whistleblowers; Political Activity; Use of Funds

Version History

Last Revision Date: April 13, 2023

Issued: January 1, 2002