New Year, New Code of Conduct
Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, VCU is poised for a year of growth and renewed purpose. Central to this journey is our updated Code of Conduct, which serves as a roadmap for our shared values. To introduce these standards, Jason Block, VCU’s Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, shares his perspective:
VCU’s “new” Code of Conduct isn’t really that new at all. We’ve kept the best parts of the version we’ve used since the late 2010s, and reorganized it into 3 easy-to-follow themes:
- At VCU: In this section we answer the key questions: How should we treat each other? How do we foster a safe and secure workplace? What is the role of a manager in ensuring everyone treats each other well?
- With VCU: This section looks at how we should do business with external partners. It also speaks to a manager’s role in helping employees work with those partners.
- Beyond VCU: This action guides our role as ambassadors of VCU, covering everything from social media and public discourse to state stewardship and FOIA.
This refreshed Code of Conduct also reinforces our goal to have a “Speak Up” culture at VCU. If you see something you think is unethical, potentially illegal or against policy, please say something. The university has several reporting options, and employees who make good faith reports are protected from retaliation.
Another important refresh contained in this Code is a restatement of VCU’s core values. More on that below!
Our Core Values
We don’t just show up for work, we show up for each other. We stay grounded in our values:
- Accountability
- Achievement
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Service
- Opportunity
- Freedom
AT VCU
How we treat eachother
Whether it’s researchers in the lab or the crews keeping our facilities running, we are connected by a collective responsibility to one another. This is called our “Culture of Care,” a common awareness to create an environment where we can all be our best physical, mental, social, and emotional selves.
- Respect: Embrace our different backgrounds for a welcoming workplace.
- Safety: Follow health protocols and report hazards immediately.
- Security: Protect the data and intellectual property that makes us a leader in innovation.
WITH VCU
How we work with external partners
VCU collaborates with a large network of vendors, contractors, and global researchers. Being a partner with VCU means more than signing a contract, it means acting with honesty and fairness.
- Fairness: We choose vendors through unbiased, competitive processes—making sure no favors influence our decisions.
- Integrity: We have zero tolerance for bribery and transparently manage conflicts of interest to comply with Virginia law.
- Responsibility: We respect our partners’ bottom lines by making sure invoices are paid on time and from the correct funds.
BEYOND VCU
How we engage with the larger community
At VCU, our reach goes far beyond Richmond. We balance our lives with our public roles by:
- Public Stewardship: Using state resources for university business only.
- Clear Communication: Making it clear when we are speaking for ourselves rather than as official VCU representatives.
- Global Citizenship: Respecting local customs while following U.S. export laws when working abroad.
A CULTURE OF SPEAKING UP
We are a community that values the courage it takes to speak up, and we provide the safety net to make sure you can do so safely & securely. Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- Is this legal and consistent with VCU policy?
- How would this look on the front page of the news?
- Does this reflect who we are as a community?
When do I speak up?
Navigating the decision of when to speak up can be challenging. Here are some things to remember that might be worth sharing:
- Gifts: Generally, don’t accept anything valued over $20.
- FOIA: Remember that most work emails are subject to public disclosure.
- Disclosures: When in doubt, use VCU’s electronic disclosure system to report potential conflicts early.