CODE OF ETHICS FOR TRUSTEES
The trustee shall sign a statement that reaffirms support and compliance with the following Code of Ethics:
1. As a trustee, I will accept the legal and moral commitment and responsibility to the college, staff, and most importantly, to the students, and will exemplify ethical behavior and conduct that is above reproach.
2. I recognize that helping to set policy in order to assist management is the central, most important role of the trustee and in doing so helps to establish the bedrock of institutional stability.
3. To accomplish tasks, I am obliged to act with integrity and attend meetings regularly, be prepared to participate in open, honest and civil deliberation with colleagues, keep informed on the business of the college district, be responsive to meeting new needs in a changing society, and engage in an ongoing process of in-service education and continuous improvement.
4. I will willingly accept the moral obligation of maintaining the confidentiality of the issues and Board discussions pertaining thereto in its executive sessions as prescribed by law.
5. I will be constantly on guard to insure that any Board decisions that are made will not result in any conflict of interest and that, when decisions have been made, I will publicly support the majority vote.
6. I understand that my authority exists only when acting collectively with fellow board members, and that authority is derived from, and obliged to serve, the interests of the college’s constituencies.
7. I will honor the division of responsibility between the board and the CEO/President, and staff, and contribute to creating a spirit of true cooperation and a mutually supportive relationship in support of the community.
8. Additionally, I will have faith in the dignity and worth of the individual; will believe that it is better to govern and to be governed by persuasion than by coercion; will believe that knowledge gained by a trustee and the power to confer should be used to promote the welfare and happiness of all citizens of the college district.
9. Even more important, I accept the charge of "accountability" in fulfilling my responsibility. To accomplish the goal set forth in the stated philosophy and vision of the college (which I have helped to formulate), the question that will guide my way is: "Will the decision that I am about to make benefit the student?"
Revision Dates: 03-23-2009.
