April 2017

Report: a recent graduate reported an alleged violation of article 5, point 4, of the Code of Ethics, by a faculty member: "Quality of services. In carrying out their duties, university members must meet the demands and needs expressed by other university members, providing quality services by the established deadline, or at least within a reasonable time".

Opinion: based on the analysis of documents and original emails, the Commission finds that there has not been any violation of the Code by the faculty member and believes that the case can be closed without further investigations or hearings.

Recommendations: promote actions to increase knowledge of the role of the Student Ombudperson, who is available to all students and can help in similar situations.

July 2017

Report: given the outcome of a disciplinary procedure against a department technician, the Committee is asked to evaluate 1) the ethical aspects of the behaviour for which the technician was disciplined, and 2) the request, submitted by the technician, to be allowed to participate in selection procedures to provide additional teaching activities in 2018.

Opinion: the Committee believes that the disciplinary procedure and the sanction already fulfill the provisions of article 18, paragraphs 5-7, of the Code of Ethics. As regards the teaching activity, there are no provisions in the Code of Ethics that would prohibit the reinstated technician from taking on teaching assignments; however, in this regard, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements contained in the call.

Recommendations: the Committee suggests a review of the procedures provided for by article 18 of the Code of Ethics to streamline communication flows between the various actors.

October 2017

Question from the Academic Senate: a sentimental relationship between a faculty member and an adult student enrolled in the course taught by the said faculty member can constitute a violation of the principles of the Code of Ethics? Under what conditions and in what way?

Opinion: a sentimental relationship between a member of the University faculty and an adult student enrolled in a course in which the former teaches does not in itself constitute a violation of the principles of the Code of Ethics. The Committee has no elements to formulate an opinion. If, for example, in an examination, the faculty member facilitates the student they are in a relationship with, we could evaluate their bias. The Committee in fact cannot express any view on possible and eventual violations of the Code of Ethics deriving from the relationship in question, until they have occurred.