Code of Conduct

Many private companies and public institutions have policies regarding the ethical (and legal) conduct of their employees. Along those lines, the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium has developed a set of standards or expectations for faculty teaching in the program and for students taking courses in the program.

It would be nice to think that in today's world such policies were not needed; but sadly that is not the case. Even though we know that nearly all of the students who take classes through the Consortium are honest, we have learned that there is a small percentage who take advantage of the system, their classmates, and their instructors. We want all of our faculty and students to represent themselves in an honest and ethical manner - and we want to let them know of our expectations.

Our Code of Conduct includes items that reference ethical behavior, items intended to increase awareness of processes within the Consortium and items that clarify terms. You are expected to read the code prior to completing each class you enroll in through the Consortium. You must also indicate your understanding and acceptance of all items in the code by completing the Student Code of Conduct quiz in each class.

Repeated non-compliance with elements of this document may result in:

• Written warning from the Academic Standards and Assessment Committee.
• Removal from the online program and its courses.

The UW MBA Consortium Student Code of Conduct

I am responsible to obtain all materials required for the class before the class begins.

• I recognize that purchases from suppliers other than the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Bookstore often result in delays, wrong editions, and missing supplemental material.
• I realize that custom packages of readings are available only through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Bookstore.
• I will not ask for special allowances from the instructor because I do not have my course materials on time.

I am responsible to meet the technological requirements of the program.

• I will verify that my computer functionality, ISP capabilities, and software meet the minimum recommended software and browser requirements posted through UW System.
• I will recognize that it is my responsibility to make sure my technology works.
• I will take time to preview the course before it begins to become comfortable navigating within it.

I recognize that this is a graduate-level program and I will work accordingly.

• I will make the time commitment necessary to read materials thoughtfully.
• I will make meaningful contributions to discussions that will benefit my classmates.
• I will complete assignments and projects with thoroughness and pride in my work.

I will interact with my classmates and my instructors in a timely, professional, and responsible manner.

• I recognize that I will need to access the class on a nearly daily basis.
• I will read the course syllabus and calendar so that I am aware of deadlines.
• I understand that I must "contribute" to discussions on a regular basis rather than make all my entries just before the final deadline.
• I will avoid derogatory comments and overly critical responses.

I will turn all work in on time and recognize that there will be consequences for late submissions.

• I recognize that individual instructors will determine the particular consequences for late submissions.
• If I must submit an assignment late, I will notify the instructor and accept the consequences associated with the late work.

I accept responsibility to do my own work.

• I realize that plagiarism is the act of submitting the words or ideas of someone else as if they were my own.
• Whenever I have taken the words or ideas from an article, a Web page, or another student, I will identify that source.
• I realize that plagiarism can result in my failing the assignment or the course itself.

I realize that many classes involve teamwork and I accept the responsibilities associated with team membership.

• I will do my share of the work taking on a leadership role when appropriate.
• I will meet internal project deadlines as set by my team so that we can effectively meet the team deadline set by the instructor.

If I must withdraw from a course for any reason, I will do so through the appropriate channels.

• I will withdraw through the registrar's office at the university through which I am registered (at UW-La Crosse and UW-Oshkosh, withdraw through the MBA office).
• I will notify the course instructor of my intentions.
• I will notify any groups I have been assigned to within the course of my intentions.

I understand the UW MBA Consortium follows the student academic disciplinary procedures as established by the UW System Board of Regents (UWS Chapter 14).

I recognize the importance of course evaluations and will complete the Web survey that I will be directed to via e-mail during the final week of each class.