(reviewed and adopted on October 9th, 2021)

Pursuit of the UOPSA USA mission of promoting an environment that can foster individual and collective development, empowerment, sisterhood and respect for all regardless of their differences, requires a shared commitment to the core values of UOPSA as well as a commitment to the ethical conduct of all activities. In that spirit, our Code of Conduct is a statement of our belief in ethical and professional behavior in all of our dealings in our meetings, on forum and also outside.

The Standard of Ethical Conduct apply to all UOPSA USA members.

All members are equal in every respect and shall be bound by the following:

1) Fair Dealings: Members are expected to conduct themselves ethically, honestly and with integrity in all dealings. This means principles of fairness, good faith and respect consistent with our bylaws and mission statement, both inside and outside the community.

2) Individual Responsibility & Accountability: UOPSA USA members are expected to exercise responsibility appropriate to their position and delegated authorities. They are responsible for their actions and decisions not to act. Each individual is responsible to conduct the business of UOPSA, exercising sound judgement and serving the best interest of our institution and community.

3) Respect for Others: UOPSA USA is committed to the principle of treating each other with respect and dignity, therefore we strongly prohibit discrimination, rudeness, disruptive behavior, insults, harassment, intimidation, gossiping and provides equal opportunities for all members to contribute ideas, either in face-to-face meetings or on the forum. UOPSA matters should stay within the sisterhood. Taking discussions out of the group will result in disciplinary measures including dismissal.

4) Compliance: Members are supposed to devote allegiance to UOPSA and to what it stands for. It is not acceptable to ignore or disobey policies or to avoid compliance by deliberately seeking loopholes.

5) Disciplinary Steps and Sanctions: The successful operation and reputation of our sisterhood is built upon the principles of fair dealing and ethical conduct of all members and especially towards one another. Although it is not possible to list all forms of behaviors that are considered unacceptable in this document, unruly and disruptive conduct on the forum and in meetings may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of membership. Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct on WhatsApp forum and any face-to-face or conference call meetings will result in the following measures:

·       First offense: Verbal and Written Warning by NEB.

·       Second offense: Written Warning with Suspension, from all UOPSA USA and chapter dealings meetings, forum and house activities. Suspension shall depend on the magnitude of the offense, and the time frame shall be a minimum of six months. Any returning member after suspension, should send a written repentance letter to the group.

·       Third offense: Expulsion, after three strikes, the offender is terminated from the UOPSA USA. Members should speak up in a timely manner, whenever they feel disrespected. Note: Chapter President's should encourage members to be versed with this document, ignorance will not be a valid excuse for any sanctions and consequences to breach of the association's code of conduct.

• Members are encouraged to raise concerns in a timely manner whenever they feel they have been disrespected.

Chapter President's should encourage members to be versed with this document, ignorance will not be a valid excuse for any sanctions and consequences to breach of the association's code of conduct.