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Policy 21-00 Code of Ethics

Sponsor: District Governing Board

Policy

The District Governing Board (the Board) holds the following ethical responsibilities:

  1. Recognize the primary responsibility is to govern the college in the best interest of the education needs of the entire College District.
  2. Understand the responsibilities of the Board as a legal entity and its powers reside only in the majority vote. No single member has any authority unless delegated by a majority vote of the Board.
  3. Conduct College business in a manner that is fiscally responsible to the College and taxpayers.
  4. Read and be informed of all agenda items before the meetings.
  5. Be respectful of all members and actively listen to all viewpoints.
  6. Maintain an open, honest communication with other Board members and the President.
  7. Speak positively and with integrity about the Board or the President.
  8. Promote the needs of the community to the College and the needs of the College to the community.
  9. Advocate for the College at the local and state level.
  10. Unprofessional or unethical conduct by board members should be brought to the Board Chair’s attention.

Legal standards of conduct shall be followed:

  1. Obey all open meeting laws as contained in A.R.S. §§ 38-431 to 38-431.09. These restrictions extend to communication amongst Board members by email or on social media forums.
  2. Obey the conflict of interest laws as contained in A.R.S. §§ 38-501 to 38-511 and ask for advice on possible perceived conflicts of interest including sharing privileged information.
  3. Observe Open Meeting Laws including provisions for Executive Sessions and related confidentiality requirements as contained in A.R.S. § 38-431.03.

Enforcement:

Any member of the Board who reasonably believes that a violation of the Code of Ethics has occurred may report the violation to the Board Chair. if the Board Chair is the person who allegedly violated the Code, then the violation will be reported to the Board Vice Chair or Secretary. The Board Chair shall work with the President and Legal Counsel to investigate the report and resolve the issue informally, if possible.

References

A.R.S §§ 38-431 to 38-431.09

A.R.S §§ 38-501 to 38-511

Policy History

08/23/2011

08/15/2018

07/01/2025

08/20/2025

New and Approved by the District Governing Board

Revised and approved by the District Governing Board

Revised Sponsor from Office of the President and DGB to District Governing Board

Reviewed and Approved by the District Governing Board

Legal Review

08/19/2009

08/05/2025