Code of Ethics

Ethics are the primary principles and standards that guide the individuals in an institution to make decisions and take actions that result in the greatest benefit for all involved, time after time.

The Butte College faculty and Board of Trustees have each developed codes of ethics, based on their professional responsibilities, to supplement the Butte College Code of Ethics.  These may be found on the Academic Senate website and in Board Policy 2715 respectively.  

The purpose of the Butte College Code of Ethics is to provide standards for behavior that are aligned with the Butte College Mission and Values.  These standards are designed to reinforce the values, identity, and character of the institution, even during times of daunting challenge and constant change. 

The Butte College Code of Ethics include the college's mission and values.

Ethical Standards

Butte College Board members, administrators, faculty, classified professionals, managers, supervisors, confidential, and other employees:

1. Strive to offer the highest quality education and services, making student learning and student achievement our top priorities.
2. Strive for continuous improvement through self-assessment, evaluation, and professional development.
3. Create and maintain an environment of trust and respect characterized by the free expression of ideas and perspectives. The statement on Academic Freedom, found in the Butte College Catalog, defines the college’s commitment to the free expression of ideas. 
4. Embrace diversity and foster an environment of inclusivity, recognizing that everyone provides a unique and valuable perspective.
5. Commit to eliminating barriers to student learning and student achievement and to the creation of a fair, just and welcoming campus community.
6. Apply professionalism in our interactions with students and each other, by acting fairly and with integrity.
7. Build trust by cultivating an open and welcoming environment that fosters collaboration and collegiality.
8. Display accountability to one another, individually and collectively, for meeting our professional responsibilities.
9. Make decisions based on improving student learning and student achievement and avoid conflicts of interest.
10. Promote and model practices that result in positive outcomes for our human and natural environments.
11. Act as responsible stewards of the public trust and effectively use the resources entrusted to us to fulfill the mission and obligations of the college.
12. Bring positive, inclusive and transparent leadership to our respective roles, encouraging active participation in making Butte College an institution characterized by excellence in every area.

Consequences for Violating the Ethical Standards

Since this Code of Ethics is based on the college’s values, it is not designed to be punitive.  Employees should report any violation of the Code of Ethics to their supervisor, the Director for Human Resources, or the appropriate manager.

If the violation of the Code of Ethics also violates legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations it will be handled using existing administrative processes.  The College will, if requested, make every reasonable effort to keep confidential the identity of anyone reporting a violation, to the extent permitted by law, except if doing so would effectively prevent the College from conducting a full and fair investigation of the allegations.   If the violation does not warrant the use of an administrative process the appropriate manager and/or Director for Human Resources will work with appropriate personnel and their representative group(s) to resolve the situation.