Code of Ethical Conduct for Faculty Members, Staff, and Students of Jalal-Abad State University

1. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CODE

1.1 The purpose of the Code of Ethical Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Code”) is to establish a set of norms and rules of conduct for faculty members, staff, and students of Jalal-Abad State University (hereinafter referred to as the “University”). The Code provides unified standards and models of behavior to guide joint activities and interpersonal interactions.

1.2 The strategic objectives of the University community are to ensure high-quality training of graduates across diverse fields at JASU (pedagogical, economic, legal, medical, and natural-technical), and to make a meaningful contribution to their development as highly qualified professionals in education, science, business, and industry, as well as to strengthening their leadership positions.

1.3 The objectives of the Code include the following:

• Defining internal norms of conduct and ethical rules for the University community;
• Enhancing the sense of responsibility of employees and students in fulfilling their duties and roles, as well as their personal accountability in implementing the University’s mission;
• Establishing ethical standards for the University’s interactions with external stakeholders (including business partners, competitors, mass media, etc.);
• Defining legal distinctions and lines of subordination among University staff members.

1.4 The Code has been developed with the aim of creating and promoting a favorable psychological climate within the University, increasing the effectiveness of the activities of employees and students, and enhancing the University’s reputation in society and in the field of education.

2. SCOPE OF APPLICATION OF THE CODE

2.1 The Code has been developed in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Charter of Jalal-Abad State University, internal regulations, collective agreements, as well as generally recognized moral and ethical norms and principles.

2.2 The Code is introduced to University employees for ознакомление (familiarization), then discussed at the Academic Council of the University, where amendments and suggestions are taken into account. Based on the proposal for its adoption, the Code is approved by the Rector of the University and enters into force from the date of approval.

2.3 The Code covers the rules of conduct for employees and students of the University.

2.4 The Code is designed to promote the University’s reputation, ensure fairness and impartiality in decision-making, and strengthen and maintain public trust, based on established standards of conduct.

2.5 Compliance with the provisions of the Code is recommended for all employees and students across all structural units of the University.

3. RULES OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS OF JASU

3.1 Unity, kindness, collegiality, mutual understanding and support, and mutual trust are essential conditions for teamwork and for creating and maintaining a high moral environment. Personal dignity, honor, integrity, and a healthy ethical lifestyle of faculty members, staff, and students are of fundamental importance at the University. Incivility, unethical behavior, rudeness, dishonesty, alcohol abuse, and indifference are unacceptable. Therefore, adherence to generally accepted standards of cultured behavior is required, particularly politeness, tact, attentiveness, honesty, punctuality, fairness, impartiality, and willingness to help.

3.2 Faculty members, staff, and students are required to arrive on time for classes and work. Attendance in clean, neat, appropriate, and business-style attire is expected as part of the University’s professional environment. Upon entering University buildings, men are required to remove their headwear. All employees and students should leave outerwear in designated areas or cloakrooms (where available).

3.3 Employees and students are advised to avoid clothing associated with subcultures (e.g., metal chains, spikes, etc.), and wearing sportswear is prohibited. Clothing that is excessively revealing (including deep necklines, exposed shoulders, back, or midriff, or otherwise exposing the body), as well as overly low-rise or excessively tight trousers, is not permitted.

3.4 At the University, it is required to address each other using formal forms of address. In communication among faculty, staff, and students, shouting, the use of inappropriate or offensive language, insults, ridicule, and name-calling are prohibited. Personal relationships between students, between faculty members, or between students and faculty must not be publicly discussed.

3.5 To ensure safety and prevent violations, a monitoring system operates at the University. Each building has a duty officer at the entrance; therefore, it is advisable to present identification when entering.

3.6 In situations where a queue forms at entrances or exits, students should give priority to faculty members and staff, and men should give way to women.

3.7 When meeting each other, students, faculty, and staff should greet one another following this order: students greet faculty; men greet women; younger individuals greet elders. Greetings must always be acknowledged in return. Handshakes should be polite and not overly forceful. When individuals are of equal status or age, the more courteous person initiates the greeting.

3.8 In accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Restricting Smoking,” smoking is prohibited inside University buildings. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.

3.9 During classes, mobile phones of both students and faculty must be turned off. During official events (meetings, conferences, assemblies, etc.), mobile phones must be set to silent mode.

3.10 During events (meetings, ceremonies, official gatherings, concerts, holidays), participants must show respect to speakers and maintain silence and order. Leaving the hall is permitted only in case of necessity and preferably during breaks.

4. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AMONG STUDENTS

4.1 Any form of humiliation of human dignity is prohibited at the University. Students are expected to be guided by the principles of mutual respect, justice, fairness, and honesty in their interactions.

4.2 Relations among students must be based on mutual respect. Rudeness, the use of offensive language, humiliation of others’ honor and dignity, ridicule, causing moral or material harm, and engaging in unlawful actions are strictly prohibited.

4.3 Collaborative discussion and resolution of academic matters, joint project work, participation in youth competitions and events, as well as organizing and taking part in cultural activities are encouraged and supported.

4.4 Issues arising during students’ academic activities and interactions are resolved in accordance with documents protecting civil rights, the provisions of this Code, and the principles of fairness and justice.

5. RELATIONS BETWEEN FACULTY AND STUDENTS

5.1 Students are required to arrive in class before the faculty member. When the professor or instructor enters the classroom, all students must stand up to greet them and may take their seats only after being permitted to do so. If a student is late, they must apologize and, without disturbing others, take the nearest available seat with the instructor’s permission.

5.2 Faculty members are obliged to provide students with comprehensive information on the course being taught. Students have the right to be informed in advance about the course content, examination questions, and available resources for independent study. Faculty members should provide references to electronic and printed materials and recommend relevant learning resources. For creative assignments, students must clearly understand the evaluation criteria and the algorithm for completing the task. Upon request, faculty members are expected to provide motivating feedback to support student performance.

5.3 If a student disrupts the class, the faculty member has the right to report the situation in writing to the dean’s office and remove the student from the class if they interfere with the learning process. In such cases, the student must politely explain the situation and apologize to the faculty member after the class.

5.4 Outside class hours, students must adhere to the following rules when interacting with faculty members:

• Know and correctly address faculty members by their full name and position;
• Before asking questions at the department, carefully review the information posted on the department notice board;
• Be aware that faculty members interact with students only in the following cases:
• During scheduled classes;
• During scheduled consultations;
• During scheduled assessments and retakes;
• At a time agreed upon individually.

All other time is at the discretion of the faculty member, who may choose whether or not to meet with students.

Students may not request even a brief meeting if they:

• Have not arranged it in advance;
• Missed or were late for a scheduled consultation.

In such cases, personal circumstances of the student (including risk of expulsion) are not considered sufficient justification.

5.5 Faculty members are prohibited from and have no right to:

• Humiliate, insult, or ridicule students (especially in public), or undermine their dignity;
• Remove students from class solely for failure to complete an assignment;
• Exclude students from assessments for reasons unrelated to the curriculum;
• Accept money or gifts in exchange for assessments (tests, exams, credits);
• Discuss professional or personal issues or shortcomings of colleagues with students;
• Conduct commercial advertising or political or religious campaigning during classes.

5.6 Students are not allowed to:

• Argue with faculty members in a rude manner, behave inappropriately, show excessive familiarity, or treat them as equals in an improper way;
• Advocate for others or dispute assessment results inappropriately with faculty members.

5.7 In exceptional cases, students may collectively (by unanimous agreement) raise concerns through the group leader or curator regarding a faculty member’s conduct. Such actions must be based on serious grounds (e.g., systematic disruption of classes due to the faculty member’s fault, proven instances of rude behavior, incompetence, or coercion/extortion).

5.8 In cases of conflict between students and a faculty member, students may submit a written request to the Head of Department asking for the assessment to be conducted by another instructor. Such requests must be considered. A commission (consisting of at least three members) may be appointed upon the instruction of the Head of Department, and the issue is reviewed by the dean, who decides on conducting the assessment before the commission.

6. RELATIONS AMONG FACULTY MEMBERS AND STAFF

6.1 The fundamental principle for all faculty members, staff, and members of the University community is mutual respect based on fairness and integrity in accordance with professional ethics.

6.2 Relations among faculty members and staff must be based on mutual respect. Rudeness, the use of offensive language, actions that undermine the honor and dignity of others, causing moral or material harm, and engaging in unlawful activities are strictly prohibited.

6.3 Joint discussion and resolution of work-related issues, collaboration across different structural units, participation in projects, and the organization of recreational and team-building activities are encouraged.

6.4 Issues arising in the course of professional activities of faculty and staff are resolved in accordance with documents protecting civil rights, the provisions of this Code, and the principles of fairness and justice.

7. RELATIONS BETWEEN ADMINISTRATION, STAFF, AND FACULTY

7.1 The University administration includes the Rector, Vice-Rectors, and heads of departments. Faculty administration includes the Dean and their staff. College administration includes the Director, Deputy Directors, department heads, and administrative staff. Department administration includes the Head of Department and their deputy (if applicable).

7.2 Relations among the University administration, faculty, and staff are based on direct interaction, long-term cooperation, mutual respect, and the proper fulfillment of internal responsibilities. Employees, faculty members, and employers are obliged to comply with all terms of their employment contracts.

7.3 In interactions between supervisors and subordinates, any form of pressure by either party, as well as decisions that contradict the interests of the University and the principles of fairness, are prohibited. To ensure efficiency, workplace issues between staff members should be resolved through established professional procedures.

7.4 In addressing various issues, the ideas and initiatives of employees aimed at improving efficiency and optimizing educational or operational processes are encouraged and supported.

7.5 The University administration guarantees equal opportunities for career advancement for all faculty members and staff.

7.6 The administration regards human capital as a key source of success. It takes into account the personal interests and value priorities of faculty and staff, supports the development of their potential, and ensures social protection.

7.7 The University leadership and community recognize individual differences and needs. All employees and faculty members are entitled to support from the University, including opportunities for rest and health improvement, access to wellness benefits, promotion of physical activity, and attentive consideration of their concerns by the administration.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAFF AND FACULTY AS MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

8.1 The primary goal of every University employee and faculty member is to meet the expectations and trust of students. Employees and faculty strive to work effectively together while maintaining a strong focus on partners and learners.

8.2 To remain competitive among higher education institutions, the performance of University staff and faculty must be highly effective.

8.3 University employees and faculty members must demonstrate a high level of professionalism, culture, and ethical behavior in accordance with labor discipline requirements, serving as role models in their duties and professional activities.

8.4 Employees and faculty members must prioritize the interests and reputation of the University, contributing to its development and continuous improvement.

8.5 The outcomes of research, professional development, and knowledge exchange by staff and faculty should be aimed at enhancing and strengthening the University’s reputation.

8.6 Faculty members and employees have the right to express their opinions to the University administration and its structural units, and to submit applications or proposals regarding academic, educational, scientific, or internal organizational matters.

8.7 Employees and faculty members are prohibited from taking actions or disseminating information for personal interests that may harm the University, damage its reputation, or undermine its honor and dignity.

8.8 Employees and faculty members are prohibited from engaging in any actions that harm the reputation, honor, or dignity of colleagues, partners, or students (including ridicule, harassment, defamation, deception, physical aggression, etc.), as well as from spreading negative information.

8.9 Key qualities of University employees and faculty include readiness for the demands of modern society, flexibility, mobility, creativity in fulfilling duties, and continuous self-development.

8.10 When acting as representatives of the University, employees, faculty members, and students must adhere to standards of professional conduct, communication culture, and business ethics.

9. RELATIONS WITH UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

9.1 The University is interested in and committed to cooperation with partners to improve and develop the education system and its various aspects.

9.2 In cooperation with partners, both the University and its partners are expected to fulfill their obligations responsibly and accurately.

9.3 The University’s activities are aimed at establishing long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships that yield maximum results.

10. RELATIONS WITH EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MASS MEDIA

10.1 The University operates in cooperation with educational and research institutions, public organizations, governmental bodies, and commercial entities. In its interactions with external organizations, the University adheres to high standards of professional ethics and is guided by the following principles:

• Responsibility and consistency in fulfilling obligations;
• Adherence to ethical principles;
• Accuracy of provided information;
• Transparency and openness;
• Willingness to seek compromise in case of disagreements and disputes.

10.2 The University maintains open and honest relations with the mass media regarding its activities. When interacting with media, employees, faculty, and students must:

• Refrain from actions that could damage the reputation of the University and instead protect its image and interests;
• Maintain confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their duties;
• Avoid dissemination of unverified or false information.

10.3 Interaction with external organizations and mass media is carried out by the Rector or authorized heads of departments. Other employees, faculty members, and administrative representatives must obtain prior approval from management before engaging with external entities.

10.4 Employees and faculty members must ensure the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their duties, including intellectual property, and must not disclose or use such information outside the University.

11. RELATIONS WITH COMPETITORS

11.1 The University adheres to the principles of fair, free, and open competition in all areas of its activity. In cases of disagreements with competitors, the University seeks to resolve disputes through dialogue and compromise while maintaining its reputation.

12. PRINCIPLES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES AND CONFLICTS

12.1 Clear distribution of responsibilities among employees and faculty reduces the likelihood of conflicts and improves efficiency. However, any conflicts that arise must be promptly identified and strictly managed.

12.2 Conflict resolution should aim to prevent harm to the University or at least minimize any negative impact. Conflicts should be resolved as quickly as possible.

12.3 The University supports resolving conflicts through constructive bilateral or multilateral negotiations (including the establishment of a conflict resolution commission when necessary). Preventive efforts to avoid potential conflicts are encouraged.

12.4 Information about conflicts and the possibilities for their prompt and effective resolution should be communicated to all relevant parties.

12.5 Transparency and fairness must be maintained in all procedures related to conflict resolution.

12.6 In conflicts involving external parties, employees and faculty must prioritize the interests of students, as well as the reputation and interests of the University.

12.7 Conflicts among students should be resolved quickly and fairly using simplified procedures where appropriate.

12.8 Employees and faculty are prohibited from abusing their position, exerting pressure on students, causing harm, or provoking conflicts.

12.9 Conflicts between University departments must be resolved with consideration for the overall reputation and interests of the University.

12.10 No structural unit of the University has the right to resolve conflicts solely in its own interest.

13. GIFTS AND SERVICES

13.1 Employees are not allowed to accept or offer gifts or services from/to third parties without the approval of the University administration or management.

13.2 When accepting or offering gifts or services, situations that may lead to conflicts of interest must be avoided. Accepting money as a gift in any form is strictly prohibited, regardless of the amount.

13.3 If gifts or services are offered to employees or faculty members in their capacity as official representatives of the University (e.g., for presenting at public events), they should inform the management accordingly.

13.4 Gifts or services provided to partners or clients must be given on behalf of the University, not in a personal capacity.

13.5 Items bearing the University’s symbols (souvenirs, branded materials) are considered appropriate gifts.

14. LIABILITY

14.1 Violations of the rules and norms of this Code shall be subject to review by the University community. In cases of serious or gross violations, disciplinary measures may be applied, including expulsion of students or dismissal of employees and faculty members.