Virginia State University Reginald F.

Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

PREAMBLE We, the students in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business (RFLSB) at Virginia State University, affirm our commitment to this Code of Ethics/Conduct and to conducting ourselves in ways that promote ethical standards in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. We are individually responsible to each other for exhibiting in our own actions the highest ethical standards and for avoiding any impropriety or appearance of improper behavior that might reflect negatively upon the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business aspires to be a model of ethical behavior and to achieve its vision by educating graduates known for their ethics and character. Each student in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business is responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with this Code and all other applicable university policies. ALL STUDENTS IN THE REGINALD F. LEWIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND STUDENT CONVOCATION ON THE 4TH WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 4:00 P.M. (OR AS SCHEDULED.) CORE VALUES The identity of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business is rooted in a set of core values from which flow broad principles for acting ethically. The standards articulated in this Code of Ethics/Conduct reflect the application of these core values and principles. CONFIDENCE HONESTY ETHICS CIVILITY KNOWLEDGE INTEGRITY TEAMWORK We have the CONFIDENCE to succeed. We will do so with HONESTY and by following the Code of ETHICS. We will conduct ourselves with CIVILITY toward all. We will use our KNOWLEDGE for the betterment of all. We will live our lives with INTEGRITY. We recognize that little in life is accomplished without TEAMWORK. STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Students within the RFLSB are encouraged to join any of the Student Organizations within the Business School. Students who wish to hold offices within the Student Organizations are limited to two elected positions and must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. Organizations include:

1
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

Marketing Club (previously AMA) Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Financial Management Association, International (FMA) Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society (BGS) Deans Student Advisory Board

I.

CODE OF ETHICS

Academic Honesty The highest standards of academic honesty characterize the learning, research, scholarly and creative activities of the students in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. Intellectual and scholastic freedoms are safeguarded through application of principles of academic honesty. Violations of academic honesty represent a serious breach of the Virginia State University honor code and may be considered grounds for disciplinary action. Acts of DishonestyCheating includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. using any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; 2. copying from another examination paper either before, after or during the examination; 3. having someone else take an examination or write a paper for you or doing either for someone else; 4. collaborating on take-home examinations where it has been forbidden; 5. depending upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out assignments; 6. acquiring, without permission, tests, notes or other academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member of the university; 7. submitting a paper or project twice, or resubmitting a paper or project to a different class without the express permission of the instructor(s); 8. any other acts or misrepresentations designed to give a student an unfair advantage. All students involved in a case of cheating will be automatically be penalized, whether you are giving or receiving help!

2
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. the negligent or known use by direct quotation or paraphrase of either the published or unpublished work of another individual without acknowledgement; 2. the negligent or known use of materials found on the Internet without acknowledgement; 3. purchasing of papers and/or cases from other students, via the internet or any other sources; Written works can take the form of electronic or print media and could include - among other items - opinions, facts and statistics. 1. Citing a source is necessary when an idea or written work can be attributed in any way to someone else. 2. Direct copying requires a very specific acknowledgment, either using quotation marks or a clear statement describing how that material was reproduced. 3. An indication of how a source is used is necessary if unique words or phrases from the source are part of the one's work. Words or phrases are considered unique if they would not be spoken or expressed the same way coincidentally. The use of unique language requires incorporation of quotation marks or a direct statement indicating who is responsible for the word, phrase, sentence or group of sentences. 4. Finally, one should always acknowledge the contribution of any person who is a significant contributor to a work through discussion or any other such collaboration. Although, common knowledge does not require a reference, one may not be aware of what constitutes common knowledge. The golden rule is, when in doubt, cite. Common knowledge is defined as: the same information is listed in three different sources. All written assignments will be submitted through Safe Assign. Academic Pledge The real world of business, government, and society demands ethical behavior. In the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business, your instructor expects the same. While some work may be assigned as group work or homework, examinations, quizzes, and papers are expected to be completed by the student without any assistance asked or received, unless it is from the instructor. All work submitted for a grade, which falls under the honor policy, will bear the following statement: On my honor, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized assistance on this (exam, assignment, etc.)

3
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

An additional statement will appear on all papers submitted for grading: On my honor, I have not plagiarized any material contained within this paper. All references from published, unpublished or Internet sources have been acknowledged and appropriately cited. I have not submitted this paper previously to any other course without the instructors permission. (research papers, cases, and other written assignments) The student must sign the pledge(s). The consequences of violating this code will be a grade of F for the work in question, and the instructor may file a report to the Chairperson of the Department. Ramifications of violating the Code of Ethics and Academic Pledge: 1. First offenders will be given a zero for the assignment/test in question and their information will be forwarded to the Assistant Dean to document their student file. 2. Second offenders in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business will be given a grade of F for the course in question and referred directly to the Assistant Dean. a. The Assistant Dean will refer ALL second offenders to the University Academic Credits Committee and/or Judicial Affairs for suspension from the University on the basis of Academic Dishonesty. b. Offenses DO NOT have to be within in the same business course.

II.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Classroom Decorum/Conduct Students are expected to abide by all University rules and regulations and standards, and by the laws of Chesterfield County, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal government. Students are expected to act responsibly and to avoid conduct detrimental to its effect upon themselves, their fellow students and the University. Each instructor is responsible for maintaining a classroom environment that facilitates effective teaching and learning. The classroom environment (will) be such that it prepares students for behavior that is expected in the professional and corporate environments for which they are preparing to live and work. Disruptive and disrespectful behavior on the part of any student (will) not be tolerated by the instructor. The instructor (will) always be in charge and has the right to determine appropriate standards of behavior in the classroom as long as the requirement does not infringe upon the individuals rights. 4
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

Students Personal Code of Conduct The following guidelines have been established to enhance the students academic success in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business and in the business community: You MUST: 1. Adhere to all Reginald F. Lewis School of Business and University policies. 2. Accept responsibility for your actions at all times. 3. Attend classes regularly, be seated in class on time, and stay in your seat until the instructor dismisses the class. Instructors may bar late arrivals from entering a class in progress; you must honor the instructors decision in such cases. 4. Pay attention at all times in class and respect classmates rights to see, hear, and participate in class activities. 5. Submit assignments on time. Acceptance of late assignments is solely at the discretion of the instructor. 6. Turn off cell phones, pagers, and any other personal communication or entertainment devices during class. 7. Remove headphones during class. 8. Be mindful of your attire at all times. Wednesday is Business Attire Day for Reginald F. Lewis School of Business students. 9. Promptly remove your hat, cap, or other headwear upon entering the classroom. All exceptions must be approved by the Deans Office. 10. Exhibit courtesy and respect for your peers and professors. Live the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated. 11. Make every effort to resolve conflict with civility and respect. 12. Comply with VSU Board of Visitors Policy No. 101, Prohibition of Sexual Harassment (www.vsu.edu/policies/101.pdf). 13. Follow the Computer/Lab Code of Conduct. You MUST NOT: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Talk with classmates or pass notes to classmates during class. Leave the classroom unless absolutely necessary. Bring food to eat or drink. Sleep in class. Read or work on material unrelated to class activity. Bring anyone who is not registered for the course into the classroom. Use offensive and profane language in or around Singleton Hall and any business classroom. 8. Use illegal drugs and/or alcohol while on campus. 9. Bring any type of weapon on campus, without exception. 10. Furnish false or misleading information to anyone. 11. Alter any official documents-including graded tests, papers, etc. 5
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

12. Disrupt the teaching and learning process. 13. Behave in a disorderly or obscene manner in Singleton Hall and any business classroom. 14. Infringe on the academic freedom of other students. 15. Disclose confidential information. You may only activate a fire alarm in case of a fire or other emergency. You must not activate any fire alarm for any other reason. Misuse of fire alarms is a crime. The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business will refer violators to the police. Code of Virginia 18.2-212A. Any person who without just cause therefore, calls or summons, by telephone or otherwise, any ambulance, or fire-fighting apparatus, or any person who maliciously activates a manual or automatic fire alarm in any building used for public assembly or for other public use, including, but not limited to, schools, theaters, stores, office buildings, shopping centers and malls, coliseums and arenas, regardless of whether fire apparatus responds or not, shall be deemed guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Code of Virginia 18.2-212B. A violation of this section may be prosecuted either in the jurisdiction from which the call or summons was made or in the jurisdiction where the call or summons was received. Ramifications of violating the Code of Conduct: 1. First offenders will be dealt with on an individual basis and the penalty will be based on the nature of the offense. 2. Second offenders will be referred to the Assistant Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business and penalty for offense will be determine based on the severity of the offense. 3. Third offenders will be administratively withdrawn from the course, depending on the severity of the offense the case may be forwarded to the Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business for referral to the Judicial Affairs department for further review. 4. Given the nature of the offense the penalties may be, but not limited to: a. asked to leave the building, class or event, b. administrative withdrawal by your professor, c. suspension from the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business, or d. suspension or expulsion from the University. 5. Any appeal of the decision will be made through the Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business.

6
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

III. STUDENT DRESS CODE
Continuous demonstrations of appropriate dress and manners insures that Reginald F. Lewis School of Business students will meet the minimum standards of quality achievement in the social, physical, moral and educational aspects of their lives. Students will also meet the professional standards set forth by our accrediting body, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Students will be denied admission to the classroom and/or various School and University functions if their manner of dress is deemed inappropriate by Reginald F. Lewis School of Business faculty, staff, and/or administrators. (See Ramifications for Violating Dress Code below for actions taken by the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business Administrators. See below for Business Attire examples.)

Wednesdays are Business Attire Day for the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business.
During Business Week, BEEP, Wednesday Business Attire Day, any of the Honors Programs, Graduation, Convocation, or Career Day, business attire is required. On Wednesdays and Guest Speaker Days, students will be asked to leave the event or classroom to change clothes and return if not in proper attire. When giving a presentation students will be penalized for lack of proper attire. Wednesdays are Business Attire Day from 8:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m., this means students should not come into the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business (Singleton Hall or business courses held in other buildings) in casual attire. Students will be asked to leave, change and return to class or scheduled meeting. EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE DRESS AND/OR APPEARANCE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Caps, do-rags, stocking caps, skullcaps, hoods, and bandanas for men and women. Droopy or low-rider pants and exposed undergarments. Short shorts or very short skirts. If the skirts length is above your fingertips, it is too short. Clothing with derogatory, offensive and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures. Mens undershirts of any color. Midriffs or halters, mesh, netted shirts, tube tops or cut-off t-shirts. Pajamas, stocking caps, hair rollers and bedroom slippers.

7
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

EXAMPLES OF BUSINESS ATTIRE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Conservative two-piece business suit (black, gray, navy, brown, or beige) Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse Tailored pantsuits are acceptable Polished conservative shoes, for the ladies no heel more than 2 inches high and closed toed Well-groomed hair style Minimal cologne or perfume Necktie should be conservative pattern and end mid-belt should be worn with a button up dress shirt. Dark shoes with matching belt Dark socks or hose For the ladies, knee-length skirts are best (no shorter than 2 above the knee) Only one set of conservative non-dangling earrings, (men should refrain from wearing earring when in business attire) Conservative makeup If you wear nail polish, use a conservative color (men should refrain from nail polish when in business attire)

Ramifications for violating the Dress Code: Student attire will be monitored by all administrators, faculty, and staff of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business and any disregard or violation to this policy will be dealt with in the following manner: Steps that will be followed: 1. First occurrence The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business faculty member, staff member or administrator meets with the student privately. The student will be reminded of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business Dress Code, minutes of the meeting will be shared with the Department Chairperson and the Assistant Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. 2. Second occurrence The Department Chairperson will meet with the student privately. Minutes from this meeting will be shared with the Assistant Dean and Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business and copies of the minutes from both meetings will be placed in the students file. 3. Third occurrence The student will meet with the Assistant Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. The minutes from this meeting and the previous meetings will be placed in the students file. 4. Fourth occurrence The Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business will meet with student and will administratively withdraw the student from the course(s) in which the infractions occurred. 8
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

IV. ADDRESSING ISSUES WITH FACULTY OR STAFF Should the student have a problem with an instructor, advisor or other academic relations the proper protocol is as follows: o Discuss the problem with the Instructor or Staff Member. If the problem is not resolved, then o Discuss the problem with the Departmental Chairperson. If the problem is not resolved, then o Discuss the problem with the Assistant Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. If the problem is not resolved, then o Discuss the problem with the Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. If the problem is not resolved, then o Discuss the problem with the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University. If the problem is not resolved, then o Discuss the problem with the President of the University.
Acknowledgement: The form and content of this policy were partially adopted from Hampton University. Parts of this Code were reproduced from documents obtained from Adelphi University, University of North Texas, and Hampton University.

9
Updated: April 2013

Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business

Student Code Of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code

Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Student Code of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code I, ____________________________________, a student in the Reginald F. Lewis
(Please print your name.)

School of Business at Virginia State University, affirm my commitment to this Code of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code and to conducting myself in ways that promote ethical standards in the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. I am responsible for exhibiting in my own actions the highest ethical standards and for avoiding any impropriety or appearance of improper behavior that might reflect negatively upon the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business. I acknowledge that I have received, read and understand the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business policy on student ethics, conduct and dress. ______________________________ Signature ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Major ______________________________ V-Number

For office use only: Accepted by: _____________________________ on _________________________

Last page of the VSU Reginald F. Lewis School of Business Student Code of Ethics/Conduct and Dress Code. 10
Updated: April 2013