Ethics Matters

GovState works on behalf of the people of Illinois to achieve the University’s mission of offering an exceptional and accessible education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a global society. As such, it is important that GovState and all employees acting on its behalf conduct themselves ethically and in a way that upholds the University’s core values of honesty, fairness, and respect for others.

Moreover, GovState’s institutional accreditation is dependent upon its ability to operate with integrity in its financial, academic, human resources, and auxiliary functions. University policy and applicable state and federal law govern the ethical decision-making and behavior of University employees and all those who act on behalf of GovState in furtherance of its programs and activities.

The GovState Director of Compliance has been designated to serve as the University’s Ethics Officer by the provisions of the Illinois State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (Ethics Act), 5 ILCS 430. All Ethics Officers for State agencies have the following responsibilities under the Ethics Act:

1. Guide officers and employees in the interpretation and implementation of the Ethics Act, which the officer or employee may in good faith rely upon. Such guidance shall be based, wherever possible, upon legal precedent in court decisions, opinions of the Attorney General, and the findings and opinions of the Executive Ethics Commission.
2. Review statements of economic interest and disclosure forms of officers, senior employees, and contract monitors before they are filed with the Secretary of State.
3. Act as liaison between the State agency and the Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) and the Executive Ethics Commission (EEC).

At GovState, the Ethics Officer also oversees (either alone or in tandem with other University departments) the reporting, investigation, and grievance processes for the following areas of concern:

1. Fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement concerning University (State) property.
2. Fraud, corruption, abuse, and mismanagement concerning the conducting of University business.
3. Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment.
4. Unlawful discrimination and harassment.
5. Other violations of the Ethics Act.
6. Retaliation against whistleblowers.

For more information on the policies and laws that govern the ethical decision-making and behavior at GovState, see below.