Promoting a Holistic Ethical Organizational Culture at the Majmaah University
Development of Clear Ethical Values
The culture of the Majmaah University is characterized by a long-standing commitment to student learning and to excellence in teaching. This commitment has been established through the development of an open, ethical and caring community that promotes diversity, honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, trust and civility among its members. This community has created a culture based on core values that include intellectual vitality, intellectual and academic freedom, the well-being of its members and service to others.
In order to realize its commitments and values, all members of the university community must demonstrate academic integrity and ethical behavior and foster academic integrity and ethical behavior in others. Those who violate university’s standards of academic ethics must be held responsible for their misconduct. Those who observe violations of academic ethics have a responsibility to address it.
Our Code of Ethics is publicly available and can be accessed at the following URL: https://m.mu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/content/2020/10/General%20Stude…
This document outlines our commitment to ethical values, as well as the responsibilities of our community members in upholding these values.
Ethical Values-based Training
The Ethical Values-based Training program at Majmaah University is a comprehensive initiative designed to promote ethical values, integrity, and responsible behavior among its employees, students, and stakeholders. The program aims to create a strong ethical culture within the university community by raising awareness of ethical dilemmas, providing tools for ethical decision-making, and emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical principles.
Key Objectives:
- Awareness Building: The program seeks to enhance participants' awareness of the significance of ethical values and their impact on the university's reputation and broader society.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Participants are equipped with practical frameworks to identify ethical dilemmas and make sound decisions aligned with the university's values.
- Code of Conduct Familiarization: The training familiarizes individuals with Majmaah University's Code of Conduct, ensuring a clear understanding of expected ethical behavior.
- Promoting a Culture of Integrity: By fostering a culture that celebrates and encourages ethical conduct, the university aims to create an environment where integrity is valued in all aspects of academic and professional life.
Training Components:
The program covers various essential components, including:
- Ethical Principles: An introduction to core ethical principles such as honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability lays the foundation for the training.
- Recognizing Ethical Dilemmas: Participants are exposed to real-life scenarios and case studies to develop their ability to identify and understand ethical challenges.
- Ethical Decision-Making Models: Practical exercises and guidance on ethical decision- making frameworks help individuals navigate complex situations.
- Code of Conduct Review: A thorough review of Majmaah University's Code of Conduct ensures participants understand their ethical responsibilities.
- Reporting Mechanisms: The training educates individuals on how to report ethical concerns and the procedures available for whistleblowing, ensuring a safe environment for reporting without fear of retaliation.
Delivery and Evaluation:
The training is delivered through a combination of in-person workshops and online modules. The interactive workshops encourage active participation and group discussions, while the online modules provide flexibility for employees and students to complete the training at their convenience.
To measure the program's effectiveness, pre- and post-training assessments are conducted to gauge the participants' knowledge and understanding of ethical values. Feedback and surveys
from participants are also collected to identify areas for improvement and ensure the program's continued relevance.
The Ethical Values-based Training program at Majmaah University reflects the institution's commitment to fostering a community characterized by ethical behavior, integrity, and accountability. By empowering its members with the necessary knowledge and tools to make ethical decisions, the university strives to create a positive academic environment aligned with its core values and contributing to the betterment of society.
Evidence: https://m.mu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/content/2020/10/General%20Stude…
Office for Ethical Compliance
Policy
Responsibilities of Academic Administrators: It is the responsibility of the Administration to foster and maintain the culture of the institution, including that of academic ethics and integrity. Ways of supporting this aspect of the University mission and culture may include:
-
- Collaborating with faculty in creation of procedures, policies, and tools for the education and enforcement of academic ethics and integrity.
- Assisting and supporting faculty in the investigation and appropriate correction of violations of academic ethics and integrity
- Discussing the importance of academic honesty and ethics with students.
-
- Addressing violations of the academic ethics policy by a student.
-
- Communicating with faculty and students’ actions taken to address violations of academic ethics.
Responsibilities of Faculty Members: Faculty members have responsibilities to model academic integrity and ethics for their students, to educate students about these qualities and behaviors and to promote compliance with the standards described in this policy. They may do so by:
- Describing in writing and distributing the objectives and requirements of the course they are teaching at the beginning of each semester and summer term;
- Including a reference to the Academic Ethics policy on each course syllabus every semester;
- Discussing the importance of academic honesty and ethics with students;
- Making clear on their syllabus their expectations regarding individual or collaborative work, the use of supplemental aids for examinations and assignments and other specific guidelines they want students to follow in completing assigned course work;
- Being available to answer students’ questions about issues of academic honesty and proper procedures for course work;
- Addressing violations of the academic ethics policy by a student.
Evidence: The Office for Ethical Compliance contact information can be found on our university's website at the following URL:
https://m.mu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/content/2020/10/General%20Stude…
k.pdf
Internal Reporting System and Grievance Procedure
Majmaah University has established a robust Internal Reporting System and Grievance Procedure to provide employees, students, and stakeholders with a confidential and secure platform to report concerns, grievances, or ethical violations. This system ensures that individuals can raise issues related to misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or any other inappropriate behavior without fear of retaliation. The Internal Reporting System allows for anonymous submissions, ensuring the protection of the reporter's identity if they choose to remain unidentified. Upon receiving a report, the university promptly initiates a thorough investigation, maintaining transparency and impartiality throughout the process. Majmaah University is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment and continuously improving its reporting mechanisms to address any issues swiftly and effectively.
Evidence: https://m.mu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/content/2020/10/General%20Stude…