1.8 Board Member Code of Ethics

(Adopted 3-7-2022)

The Board of Trustees, as the sole governing body of the district, will adhere to this Code of Ethics to ensure autonomous governance of the College. In conjunction with policies established concerning the authority, responsibilities, accountability, and operations of the Board, the Code of Ethics establishes standards and expectations for the actions of each Trustee.

Each member of the Board of Trustees of East Central College shall:

  1. Hold the educational welfare of the students attending East Central College as the primary concern.
  2. Devote time, thought, and study to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee to render effective and creditable service.
  3. Work with fellow Board members in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.
  4. Recognize and communicate that authority rests only with the whole Board and that a Trustee has no legal authority outside the legally constituted meetings of the Board.
  5. Refrain from acting independently or directing College employees or operations.
  6. Conduct all College business in open public meetings unless, in the judgment of the Board and only for those purposes permitted by law, it is more appropriate to hold a closed meeting.
  7. Hold confidential all discussions occurring in closed meetings of the Board, to the extent allowed by law.
  8. Base decisions upon all available facts in each situation; vote their conviction in every case, unswayed by partisan bias of any kind; and abide by and uphold the final majority decision of the Board.
  9. Speak with one voice as a Trustee once a Board decision or policy is made.
  10. Make no commitments to constituents on behalf of the Board.
  11. Uphold, implement, and enforce all laws, rules, regulations, court orders, and standards pertaining to East Central College.
  12. Resist every temptation and outside pressure to use the position of Trustee to benefit themself or any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the College.
  13. Exemplify ethical behavior and conduct that is above reproach.
  14. Endeavor to always remain accountable to the community.