Transcript GTRI Code of Business Conduct - Georgia Tech Research Institute

Living Our Values
Living Our Values
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EXCELLENCE
INTEGRITY
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GTRI’S MISSION
We will be the world’s premiere university-based
applied research and development organization;
our very existence will be seen as a necessary
and enabling component of the 21st century
technological research university.
INNOVATION
GTRI’S VISION
EXECUTE a synergistic model of research,
innovation, and education and APPLY this to
solve the significant problems of a complex
world.
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INTEGRITY
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INNOVATION
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INTEGRITY
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GTRI ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
GTRI established the Ethics and Compliance Office to underscore our commitment to
ethical conduct throughout our organization. The office helps protect and maintain
the reputations of GTRI, the Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation, and the
Georgia Institute of Technology for integrity and ethics in business. To meet this goal,
the office oversees a vigorous, GTRI-wide program promoting a positive, ethical work
environment for all employees.
The Ethics and Compliance Program:
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Ensures GTRI’s full compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, laws, and
regulations.
Proactively develops and manages policies and procedures that promote ethical
behavior in accordance with GTRI’s core values.
Promotes good stewardship and efficient resource use.
Trains employees and continuously communicates GTRI’s compliance
responsibilities.
Actively solicits and discovers ethical concerns.
Appropriately investigates problem areas and helps line management resolve
issues in a timely manner.
Helps all GTRI employees maintain and enhance a work environment where good
ethics are paramount considerations in strategic, operational, and everyday
decisions.
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WHAT IS ETHICS?
Ethics is a set of standards that tells us how we should behave. No person with strong
character lives without a code of ethics.
Ethics is more than doing what you must do. It's doing what you should do. Because
acting honorably sometimes means not doing what we want to do, ethics requires
self-control.
Ethics involves seeing the difference between right and wrong. It's a commitment to
do what is right, good, and honorable. Ask yourself if you are willing to pay the price
for making an unethical choice. Are you willing to sacrifice pride, integrity, reputation,
and honor by making an unethical choice? Are you willing to suffer the consequences
of a bad choice?
Because doing the right thing can cost us more in friendship, money, prestige or
pleasure than we may want to pay, practicing ethics takes courage. The right thing to
do isn't usually the easiest thing to do, but learning to say no when you feel like saying
yes builds character.
Where do I go for more information?
The Ethics and Compliance website provides additional useful information, including
links to legislation, policies, procedures, forms, and other relevant information.
Links are provided in this Code of Conduct that you can go to for assistance. (link to
the “link page)
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HOW DOES THIS WORK?
When should I contact the Ethics and Compliance Office?
You should contact the office when you’re concerned about GTRI’s compliance
with rules and regulations, or if you have a question about any area of compliance.
Examples of concerns or questions include:
• You believe you are being told to charge something in an incorrect way,
such as not being provided with a charge number for required work.
• You are concerned that a certain course of action may result in a violation
of the law.
• You believe someone may be violating Georgia Tech human resources
policies in areas such as sexual harassment or hiring practices.
• You believe someone may have a conflict of interest situation that has not
been appropriately disclosed or fully approved.
• You believe that someone may not be dealing with classified or proprietary
information appropriately.
• You are just not sure what to do regarding a potential compliance issue.
How do I report a concern?
• Call the Georgia Tech Hotline, a confidential phone line at 1-866-294-5565. The
Hotline rings at a phone free of caller identification technology.
• File on on-line report through Ethics Points, a secure servicer outside the GIT/GTRI
server: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/7508/index.html
• Arrange for an in-person discussion with the Director of GTRI Ethics and Compliance
at 404-407-6972.
• Mail your concerns, anonymous if preferred, to the Director of Ethics and Compliance
at mail code 0801.
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AS EMPLOYEES OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF
GEORGIA WE WILL:
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Uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty and integrity in the conduct
of teaching, research, service and grants administration.
Act as good stewards of the resources and information entrusted to our care.
Perform assigned duties and professional responsibilities in such a manner so as
to further the USG mission.
Treat fellow employees, students and the public with dignity and respect.
Refrain from discriminating against, harassing or threatening others.
Comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and professional standards.
Respect the intellectual property rights of others.
Avoid improper political activities as defined in law and Board of Regents Policy.
Protect human health and safety and the environment in all USG operations and
activities.
Report wrongdoing to the proper authorities; refrain from retaliating against
those who do report violations; and cooperate fully with authorized
investigations.
Disclose and avoid improper conflicts of interest.
Refrain from accepting any gift or thing of value in those instances prohibited by
law or Board of Regents policy.
Not use our position or authority improperly to advance the interests of a friend
or relative.
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GTRI ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
GTRI Policies and Procedures –
https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/policies
Georgia Tech Computer and Network Usage Policy –
http://www.oit.gatech.edu/information_security/policy/
What additional options should I consider?
When you have a question about the ethical implications of
past, present, or future actions you or others are involved in,
you should discuss the matter at once with your immediate
supervisor or any other representative of management. If you
are not comfortable with this, or if you are not satisfied with
the response, you are encouraged to contact the Ethics and
Compliance Office and/or call the Georgia Tech Hotline.
Information concerning policies and procedures that apply to
Georgia Tech employees may be found in a number of manuals,
many of which are available via the World Wide Web, including:
Georgia Tech Business and Finance and Human Resources
Policies and Procedures –
http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/?page=policies
Georgia Board of Regents Policy Manual –
http://www.usg.edu/regents/policymanual/
Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook –
http://www.academic.gatech.edu/handbook/
Georgia Tech Harassment Policy –
http://www.adminfin.gatech.edu/human/action/010700.html
Office of Legal Affairs http://www.legalaffairs.gatech.edu/
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COMMITMENT TO THE WORLD, STATE AND NATION
We exercise care to observe laws pertaining to operations in foreign countries; we
also are judicious in our scientific interactions with foreign nationals.
The Federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits offering anything of value
to foreign officials to improperly influence an official decision. It also prohibits
unlawful political contributions to obtain or retain business. Employees involved in
international operations must be familiar with the FCPA. If you are not familiar with
these laws, consult with Georgia Tech’s Office of Legal Affairs before negotiating any
foreign transaction. http://www.legalaffairs.gatech.edu/
We are very careful to protect information as required by export control legislation.
The U.S. government has established a system of licensing requirements and controls
to regulate all exports of commodities and technical data from the United States.
These controls also apply to the re-export of domestic products and technical data
from one foreign destination to another. Certain types of unclassified data concerning
technologies that may have ultimate application to national defense cannot be
discussed with or exposed to any foreign national without an export license. This may
affect presentations at domestic conferences in the presence of foreign nationals, the
employment of foreign national students or other staff, the supervision of foreign
national employees or visitors in our buildings, and other interactions with foreign
nationals. GTRI’s Research Security Department provides guidance on restricted areas
of information. GT Industry Relations portal provides guidance on Georgia Tech
processes and helps connect you with staff members who can best facilitate these
processes. Link to http://www.industry.gatech.edu/
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Protection of Information
We diligently protect all classified information as required by law.
Pursuant to federal laws and regulations and under the cognizance of the National
Industrial Security Program and similar civilian agency regulations, restrictions are
imposed on the acceptance, protection, and control of classified documents and
information (confidential, secret, top secret, etc.). Strict compliance with all laws and
regulations and with GTRI policies is the responsibility of each employee. Any breach
of security shall be reported immediately to the local research security officer for
appropriate action. http://www.gtrc.gatech.edu/research-administration/
We comply with federal requirements designed to protect research subjects and
provide safety for researchers and the public relative to research materials.
Universities, as partners in the national research enterprise, are required by federal
law and state regulations to ensure the safety and welfare of research subjects, those
conducting research, and others who work or study within the research environment.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is charged with ensuring
that animals involved in research and teaching receive humane care and treatment.
The IACUC regularly inspects and monitors the total animal care and use program at
the Institute to ensure that all components are in compliance with regulations and
guidelines outlined in the Federal Animal Welfare Act. All research activities involving
animal subjects must be reviewed by the Georgia Tech IACUC regardless of whether
the research is conducted on or off campus. http://researchintegrity.gatech.edu/
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Safeguarding Rights and Welfare of Human Subjects
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is charged with safeguarding the rights and
welfare of human research subjects and the acceptability of proposed research in
terms of institutional commitments and regulations, applicable law, and standards of
professional conduct and practice.
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All research using human subjects must be performed with the informed consent
of the subject.
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The IRB has the responsibility and authority to review, approve, disapprove, or
require changes in research activities’ human subjects. All research activities
involving human subjects, regardless of source of funding, or if it is funded, and
regardless of where performed, must be reviewed by the Georgia Tech IRB.
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Any change in protocol or consent form must be approved in advance by the IRB.
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Adverse events must be reported to the IRB immediately.
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Only the IRB can determine that surveys and other such research are exempt from
full committee revie; a protocol is always required.
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For more information please refer to the Research Integrity website below:
http://researchintegrity.gatech.edu/
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FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
We maintain accurate and complete financial records.
GTRI employees maintain the integrity and accuracy of all financial records, including
sponsored project charges.
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All hourly reporting of time and postings of expenditures shall be made
accurately.
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All documents are prepared and approved by those with proper authority.
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Payments on behalf of the Institute are made or approved only for the stated
purpose.
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GTRI’s financial books, records, and statements accurately reflect all transactions
of the organization. Records are retained in accordance with Georgia Tech’s
record retention policies and all applicable state and federal laws and
regulations, including the Open Records Act. (link to
http://legal.gatech.edu/topics#Georgia Open Records Act)
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The use of Institute funds or assets for any personal, illegal, or unethical purpose
is prohibited.
We ensure that all GTRI expenditures are for the benefit of the sponsor and/or the state of Georgia.
Knowing that we are entrusted with both state and federal taxpayer funds, we demand and practice good stewardship, and we ensure that
these funds are expended for their intended purposes, never for personal use items or services. Georgia Tech and sponsor assets are to be used
only for business-related purposes.
We comply with all policies and procedures for daily reporting of time and effort.
GTRI’s time reporting system requires daily documentation of time and effort, including a valid project number and project description for each
activity. The purpose of the system is to ensure accurate charges to federal contracts.
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FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
We always report time and expenses truthfully and accurately.
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Pricing of the majority of GTRI’s government contracts are based directly on GTRI’s
cost. Therefore, everyone must report time and expenses truthfully and accurately
to the proper sponsored project or internal account, according to GTRI policies and
procedures for cost charging.
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Unethical behaviors that consist of: mischarging costs to a government contract,
misrepresenting facts or falsifying records may result in civil penalties to the
Institute and to the individual involved.
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Intentional mischarging IS a criminal act.
We supply and use accurate, current, and complete cost and pricing data in our research proposals.
The federal “Truth in Negotiations Act” may require two things: (1) Disclosure of cost or pricing data supporting our proposals on federal
contracts (even if we choose not to use that data in our proposals), and (2) Certification that the data is accurate, current, and complete
(Smaller proposals may not carry the requirement, but data, when provided voluntarily, must meet the same standards.) “Cost or pricing
data” is defined as “all facts as of the date of price agreement that prudent buyers and sellers reasonably would expect to affect price
negotiations.”
Examples include: vendor quotes; non-recurring costs; data supporting projections of business prospects and objectives and related
operations costs; unit-cost trends; make or buy decisions; estimated resources to attain business goals; information on management decisions
that could significantly bear on costs; and actual costs on past similar jobs, including work in process.
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PROCUREMENT
We practice procurement integrity in our marketing practices.
We comply with the laws and regulations that govern the acquisition of goods and services by
our customers. It is GTRI policy to compete fairly and ethically for all business opportunities.
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GTRI employees should not attempt to obtain or accept information from any source
when there is reason to believe that the release or receipt of that non-public
information is unauthorized.
If you are involved in proposals, bid preparations, or contract negotiations, all
statements, communications, and representations to prospective customers must be
accurate.
Once awarded, all contracts must be performed in compliance with specifications,
requirements, and clauses.
GTRI is committed to complying with the federal government’s special ‘procurement integrity’
rules. During procurement, these rules preclude competing contractors, their employees, and
agents from:
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Offering a gratuity to a procurement official, including meals costing more than $20 per
incident;
Making offers to or discussing post-government employment or business opportunities
with government procurement officials; and
Obtaining, receiving, soliciting, or disclosing government source selection or competitor
proprietary information.
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Daily Reporting of Time and Effort
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) time reporting policy (link to
https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/policies/6190) is based on the need to properly document and
recover costs from sponsors. Timesheets are the source document for accounting records, and
provide the basis for salary and wages charged to sponsored projects, non-sponsored and absence
projects. Timesheets provide the basis for billing sponsors for costs in accordance with federal
regulations.
GTRI’s time reporting system requires daily documentation of time and effort, including a valid
project number and project description for each activity. Work should be recorded on the timesheet
contemporaneously. GTRI defines contemporaneous as by noon daily for the previous workday’s
effort. Timesheets must accurately report the project numbers for which work was actually
performed.
Time should never be estimated or recorded in advance of work performance except in the following
instances:
• The employee is on business travel and the time is predictable
• The employee will be on paid or unpaid leave
• Employee signature day where the time is planned to meet deadlines
• Occasional holiday deadline requirements to meet escalated payroll schedules
The project number and the number of hours worked should be recorded for each project worked on
by the employee. Time should be reported in increments of no less than 0.5 of an hour for monthlypaid employees. Biweekly staff should report time in increments of no less than 0.1 (6 minutes).
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STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
We pursue individual and organizational technical achievements.
We always seek to perform at a high level of excellence in technical, administrative,
and support work. GTRI’s technical work and research support systems are nationally
recognized. Our past and current research contracts were awarded because of these
achievements; we are obligated to provide the same level of research excellence in
the future.
We are a learning organization, working continually to improve ourselves and the
organization through professional development.
GTRI encourages all employees to take advantage of every opportunity for
continuing their professional education (link to https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/cm
and improving their job skills.
• Advanced educational opportunities allow our employees to further develop their
professional capabilities and achieve a higher level of job performance.
• In accordance with Georgia Tech guidelines for faculty promotion, an advanced
degree in a relevant field is normally a qualification for promotion to a higher research
faculty rank.
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Intellectual Property
With regard to intellectual property, we respect Georgia Tech’s rights to benefit
from our innovative ideas.
Upon employment, all GTRI employees sign an agreement that legally assigns all
rights, title, and interest, to the extent prescribed by Georgia Tech policy, in any
intellectual property we develop during the term of our employment to the Georgia
Tech Research Corporation. The funds supporting the development of the intellectual
property (link to http://www.gtrc.gatech.edu/research-administration/) may further
affect this. For sponsor-supported activities, the grant or contract under which
intellectual property is produced may contain specific provisions
with respect to the transfer of technology for commercialization or other public use.
It is Georgia Tech policy that ownership of intellectual property, developed as a result
of assigned institutional effort, resides with the Georgia Tech Research Corporation.
Ownership of intellectual property developed by faculty, staff, or students of Georgia
Tech where Georgia Tech provides support of their efforts, or provides use of
institutional resources in more than a purely incidental way (unless such resources are
available without charge to the public), are to be shared by the inventor or creator
and the institution.
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STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
We perform at the highest levels of professionalism in our research, providing highquality research results to our sponsors.
We are an independent and unbiased organization with a reputation for the highest
integrity and a proven ability to transition technology to provide practical, pragmatic,
and innovative solutions to complex problems. We observe appropriate quality
standards related to our work and are committed to producing the highest- quality
research results for our sponsors.
We ensure that our professional and scientific behavior is above reproach and that
our research results are untainted by questions of plagiarism or scientific
misconduct.
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“Misconduct” or “scholarly misconduct” is the fabrication or falsification of data,
plagiarism, or other practice that seriously deviates from those practices
commonly accepted within the academic or research community for proposing,
conducting, or reporting research or scholarly activity. It does not include honest
error or honest differences in interpretation, or judgments of data.
“Plagiarism” is the act of appropriating the literary composition of another; the
inclusion of parts or passages of someone else’s writings or the ideas or language
of someone else; and the act of passing them off as the product of one’s own
mind. It involves the deliberate use of any outside source without proper
acknowledgment.
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WORKING TOGETHER
We are committed to providing an equal opportunity work environment where everyone
is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
We comply with all laws, regulations, and policies related to nondiscrimination in all of our
personnel actions. Such actions include hiring, staff reductions, transfers, terminations,
evaluations, recruiting, compensation, corrective action, discipline, and promotions. No
one shall discriminate against any individual with a disability with respect to any offer,
term, or condition of employment. We will make reasonable
accommodations for the known physical and mental limitations of otherwise qualified
individuals with disabilities. Link to: http://www.adminfin.gatech.edu/human/action/010100.html
We support the requirement to keep Georgia Tech a drug-free workplace.
We are committed to an alcohol- and drug-free work environment. All GTRI employees
must report for work free of the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. According to
Georgia Tech policies, disciplinary action may result when any employee reports to work
under the influence of any illegal drug or alcohol, has an illegal drug in his or her system, or
uses, possesses, or sells illegal drugs while on Georgia Tech work time or property. Link to:
http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/human/discipline/050500.html
We support all requirements for a safe workplace by complying with all environmental
and workplace safety requirements and hazardous materials regulations.
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. Each of us is
responsible for compliance with environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations,
and for reporting any unsafe workplace situation to management or other appropriate
offices. Link to: http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/human/health/090200.html
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RESPECT FOR GTRI AND GT PROPERTY
We take individual responsibility for safeguarding the property of the Institute and
our sponsors, including the intellectual property of the Institute.
Proper use of Institute and sponsor property, facilities, and equipment is our
individual and collective responsibility. We use and maintain these assets with the
utmost care and respect, guarding against waste and abuse, being cost-conscious, and
remaining alert to opportunities for improving performance while reducing costs.
The use of GTRI time, material, or facilities for personal benefit or other purposes not
directly in support of GTRI business, or the removal or borrowing of property
without permission, is prohibited by state law. Georgia Tech policy allows for
incidental personal use of telephones and computing resources, but any such
incidental use must not interfere with other users’ access to resources (computer
cycles, network bandwidth, disk space, and printers, for example) and must not be
excessive or create additional expense to the Institute. State law prohibits the use of
state facilities for personal gain or benefit.
We also respect GTRI’s intellectual property and will not purposely underestimate the
value of these rights in order to secure a commercial contract or to convince the
Georgia Tech Research Corporation to transfer the rights to us. As employees of
Georgia Tech, we have entered into agreements to disclose intellectual property in a
timely manner. At the time it is available for use, intellectual property may be
licensed to a sponsor or assigned by appropriate means. However, it is critical that in
this process all information about the potential value of the intellectual property be
made available to the decision makers.
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RESPECT FOR GTRI PROPERTY
We comply with Georgia Tech policy regarding illegal copying of software.
We all are responsible for complying with copyright license requirements related to
software packages used in fulfilling job duties. It is Georgia Tech policy that no
software may be installed, copied, or used on Institute equipment except as permitted
within the license by the owner of the software. Policy requires that software subject
to licensing must be properly licensed and license provisions (installation, use,
copying, number of simultaneous users, and term of license, for example) be
followed appropriately.
http://www.oit.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/CNUSP_new.pdf
We cooperate fully with investigations and audits and are careful to determine that
investigators have required security access when appropriate.
During a government audit, or any other internal or external audit or investigation, we
must never conceal, destroy, or alter any documents; lie; or make misleading
statements to a government representative or other investigator who has appropriate
credentials for access to the information. http://www.adminfin.gatech.edu/human/discipline/050900.html
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WORKING TOGETHER
We treat each other with respect and avoid all harassment or discrimination of any
kind.
Harassment or discrimination of any kind and especially involving race, color, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, and veteran or marital
status is unacceptable in our workplace and is strictly prohibited. This prohibition
includes unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors in conjunction with
employment decisions. Moreover, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that
interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile,
or offensive work environment has no place at GTRI. Managers shall not retaliate in
the form of adverse employment actions against any employee that has opposed any
practice made unlawful under the employment discrimination statutes, or for
speaking against and raising reasonable questions concerning GTRI processes and
procedures. http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/human/action/010700.html
http://www.admin-fin.gatech.edu/human/action/011100.html
Harassment also includes incidents of workplace violence. Workplace violence
includes robbery and other civil crimes, stalking cases, violence directed at the
employer, terrorism, and hate crimes committed by current or former colleagues. As
part of our commitment to a safe workplace for our co-workers and in compliance
with state law, employees are prohibited from possessing firearms, other weapons,
explosive devices, or other dangerous materials on Georgia Tech premises. GTRI
employees who observe or experience any form of harassment or violence should
report the incident to their supervisor, a member of management, the GTRI Ethics and
Compliance Director, the Georgia Tech Hotline, Georgia Tech’s Office of Human
Resources, and/or the Georgia Tech Police Department. http://www.adminfin.gatech.edu/human/discipline/050200.html
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WORKING TOGETHER
Our respect for each other is demonstrated in our communications, including electronic
communication.
We refrain from hostile, confrontational, or offensive communications with our co-workers.
Electronic communications are equally respectful, in keeping with Institute computer-use
policies. No member of the community may, under any circumstances, use Georgia Tech’s
computers or networks to libel, slander, or harass any other person. The following are
prohibited: http://www.oit.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/CNUSP.pdf
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Intentionally using the computer to annoy, harass, terrify, intimidate, threaten,
offend, or bother another person by conveying obscene language, pictures, or
other materials or threats of bodily harm to the recipient or the recipient’s
immediate family;
Intentionally using the computer to contact another person repeatedly with the
intent to annoy, harass, or bother, whether or not any actual message is
communicated, and/or where no purpose or legitimate Georgia Tech
communication exists, and where the recipient has expressed a desire for the
communication to cease;
Intentionally using the computer to contact another person repeatedly regarding
a matter about which one does not have a legal right to communicate, once the
recipient has provided reasonable notice that he or she desires such
communication to cease (such as debt collection);
Intentionally using the computer to disrupt or damage the academic, research,
administrative, or related pursuits of another; and
Intentionally using the computer to invade the privacy, academic or otherwise, of
another or to threaten the invasion of another’s privacy.
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EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
We avoid conflicts of interest.
As GTRI employees, we avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest to assure ourselves and GTRI’s stakeholders that nothing was sacrificed for
the sake of personal gain in the work we do, in the cost of that work, or in our treatment of each other. Conflicts of interest can interfere with our
performance in several ways therefore, we guard against personal financial conflicts of interest, against conflicts that may arise from personal
relationships in the workplace, and conflicts related to our work. As GTRI employees, we should avoid any relationship, influence, or activity that
might impair, or even appear to impair, our ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing our jobs. When in doubt, we share the
facts of the situation with our supervisor, the Ethics and Compliance Program Office, GTRI management, and/or Georgia Tech’s Office of Legal
Affairs. https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/policies/4040
We are mindful of organizational conflicts of interest.
Appropriate steps must be taken to recognize and avoid potential organizational conflicts in which one business unit’s activities may preclude the
pursuit of a related activity by another Georgia Tech business unit. GTRI’s Business Development Office can provide support and assistance in this
area.
When considering offers of future employment to our sponsor contacts or other government employees, we are careful to respect their
situation and seek guidance as to appropriate behavior.
The recruitment and employment of former or current U S government employees is subject to complex rules that change frequently and vary
by governmental agency and level of employment within that agency. If a government employee wishes to become employed by Georgia Tech,
care should be exercised to ensure that the requirements of conflict of interest laws are not violated. Each situation should be considered on an
individual basis. Please consult with GTRI Human Resources for guidance on recruitment and hiring of former or current government employees
before you interview prospective candidates. http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/252203.htm
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EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
We respect the proprietary information of our sponsors when working under non-disclosure agreements related to such information.
In cases where our research involves information proprietary to a sponsor, we carefully protect that information from disclosure to its competitors,
ensuring that all participating researchers, student employees, and staff also are aware of its sensitivity .
We are good citizens of the state of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and of the communities where we work.
We are cooperative and good citizens of our work communities. We obey state and local laws, regulations, applicable military base policies, and
Georgia Tech policies and procedures. http://www.usg.edu/audit/compliance/ethics/
We avoid offering illegal and/or questionable gifts or favors to government personnel or other nongovernment customers.
A business courtesy is a gift, gratuity, hospitality, or favor for which fair market value is not paid by the recipient. Whenever we offer or approve
the offer of a business courtesy for a sponsor, we must ensure that it is proper, and that the business courtesy cannot reasonably be interpreted as
an attempt to gain an unfair business advantage or otherwise reflect negatively on the reputation of GTRI or the recipient. A business courtesy
may be a tangible or intangible benefit such as meals; drinks; entertainment (including tickets and passes); recreation (including golf course and
tennis court fees); door prizes; honoraria; transportation; discounts; promotional items; or use of time, materials, facilities, or equipment.
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If a courtesy would be inappropriate if provided from GTRI, GTARC, or Foundation funds, then the use of personal funds for the gratuity is also
inappropriate.
Specific requirements and restrictions apply to offers of business courtesies to employees of the federal executive branch (including
Department of Defense civilian and military employees) In general, lunches, entertainment, and transportation expenses are inappropriate if
valued at more than $20 per occurrence or $50 per individual per year.
Separate and different guidelines exist for the federal legislative branch; for state and local government employees; and for foreign government
employees, officials, and representatives. Check with the Director of Ethics and Compliance GTRI if you plan to offer entertainment, meals, or
gifts with a greater than- nominal value, or if you plan to offer transportation to any of these individuals.
https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/policies/4020
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EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
In our private consulting activities or in any outside work, we avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
Under Georgia Tech and GTRI policies, faculty members are permitted to engage in approved compensated outside activities under certain
circumstances. We must properly disclose these activities and seek the appropriate written approvals prior to engaging in these activities. Because
we are aware of the risk of actual or perceived conflicts of interest, we guard against situations that could appear to conflict with the interests of
the Institute or our research sponsors. We particularly guard against personal employment situations with our research sponsors, closely related
entities, or their competitors in the same technical area. https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/policies/4040
We also do not abuse this privilege by promoting our personal business interests on Georgia Tech’s time, or using Georgia Tech’s resources
inappropriately. This includes the inappropriate use of visit clearances. It is illegal and a violation of GTRI policy to use a GTRI visit clearance to
provide access to a company for the purposes of non-GTRI consulting activities. https://webwise.gtri.gatech.edu/policies/12050
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EXCELLENCE
INTEGRITY
Living Our Values
INNOVATION
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