Administrative Regulation 1.3.1: Ethics

The Board deliberates with many voices but governs with one. The Board will govern with an emphasis on outward vision rather than a preoccupation with internal affairs, strategic leadership rather than administrative detail, and a future orientation rather than past or present. It will encourage diversity in viewpoints and collective rather than individual decisions. It will strive for a clear distinction between the respective roles of the Board and the College President.

Code of Ethics

The Board, recognizing its responsibilities in conducting the business of the district, and providing for an adequate educational program, accepts for guidance the following principles regarding any member.

Accordingly, the Board:

  1. Owes first allegiance to the residents of the district.
  2. Seeks to provide equal opportunity for all regardless of race, color, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, sex, religion, political belief, veteran status or disability.
  3. Recognizes that it is the duty of the President of the College to make recommendations to the Board regarding personnel which require board action.
  4. Recognizes that it is the duty of the Board to formulate policies with the President of the College, but that it is the duty of the College President to implement policy through written
  5. Recognizes that funds dedicated to educational purposes must be wisely, honestly, and economically expended.
  6. Assists in keeping the public informed about the progress and needs of the College.

The individual trustee is responsible for ethical conduct. Accordingly, the individual trustee:

  1. Does not seek special privileges or private gain.
  2. Does not use position to promote personal, business, or professional Trustees may not make a profit in any way in their outside employment or business interests from their service to the Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees. During board meetings, trustees shall disclose any conflict of interest involving an issue before the Board. While they may participate in the discussion of the issue, they shall not vote.
  3. Shall neither initiate, participate in, nor influence in any way institutional decisions involving a direct benefit (initial appointment, retention, promotion, salary, leave of absence, etc.) to members of their extended families.
  4. Understands that the trustee has no authority as an individual but must act with the Board as a whole and must be governed by the decisions of the Board.
  5. Will attend meetings regularly and be prepared to conduct business.

Standards of Good Practice

In support of effective community college governance, the Board believes:

  1. That it derives its authority from the community and that is must always act as an advocate on behalf of the entire community;
  2. That it must clearly define and articulate its role;
  3. That it is responsible for creating and maintaining a spirit of true cooperation and a mutually supportive relationship with its President;
  4. That its trustee members should engage in a regular and ongoing process of trustee development and continuous improvement; generally, each trustee is expected to attend at least one national or regional trustee development meeting every four years;
  5. That its trustee members come to each meeting prepared and ready to debate issues fully and openly;
  6. That its trustee members vote their conscience and support the decision or policy made;
  7. That its behavior, and that of its members, exemplify behavior and contact that is above reproach;
  8. That it endeavors to remain always accountable to the community; That it makes decisions that give priority to students;
  9. That it honestly debates the issues affecting its community and speaks with one voice once a decision or policy is made.

Original Adoption Date: 3/10/09

Revision Date(s): 5/11/15

Date(s) reviewed, no change: