Faculty Handbook

Michigan State University Statement of Professional Integrity

Last updated: 4/5/2024

The University Committee on Faculty Affairs (UCFA) issued the following statement on March 19, 2024, upon the endorsement of the Faculty Senate. The Office of the Provost has adopted this statement in the Faculty Handbook.

Preamble

The Michigan State University Statement of Professional Integrity is intended to describe and encourage behaviors that will foster an equitable, safe, and respectful workplace at Michigan State University. MSU’s mission statement prioritizes creating an inclusive community that promotes the well-being of the community. This resolution is rooted in many of the standards essential to the mission of the University. The resolution complements rather than supersedes existing policies that address sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or harassment or discrimination against protected classes.

Principles

• Whereas the members of the faculty¹ of Michigan State University hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional behavior in our work with colleagues, students, staff, and other members of our various communities;
• Whereas the faculty holds that civility and respect in discourse and interactions are critical to the function of the University community;
• Whereas academic freedom and inquiry, based in mutual respect for differences, identities, and beliefs, is essential to the work we do as teachers, scholars, and citizens;
• Whereas principles of non-discrimination are specified through University policy and law;
• Whereas the faculty are committed to the fostering of an environment in which diverse views, perspectives, beliefs, and identities are valued as essential components of the kind of community we wish to nurture;
• Whereas faculty should commit to these principles in their interactions with colleagues, students, staff, administration, and members of the wider community;
• Whereas the effective functioning of the University community requires a recognition of the importance of both individual rights and responsibilities to others as articulated in the Faculty Handbook;

BE IT RESOLVED that the faculty of Michigan State University expresses its continuing commitment to the fostering of a safe and equitable community, one that is grounded in the principles of robust intellectual engagement, mutual respect, collegiality, and civil discourse in accordance with both University policy and federal and state law.

¹For the purposes of this document Faculty are defined in the MSU bylaws 1.1.1

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