The purpose of this webpage is to help all members of the University community understand the laws and policies governing ethics in the workplace and provide resources for questions or concerns. 

Ethics Advisor - Chyerl Wolfe-Lee, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

An ethics advisor is a member of an institution from whom employees can seek ethical guidance

The Ethics Advisor may:

• Assess the application of conflict of interest laws and regulations
• Counsel employees concerning ethics standards and programs
• Assist managers and supervisors in understanding and implementing ethics programs

Ethics Tip of the Month

• April 2013

Ethics in Public Service Presentation

For your convenience and use, the Ethics in Public Service presentation provides you with language directly from RCW 42.52.   

Ethics 101 Online Course

The Ethics 101 online course contains modules that cover the different ethical standards of the Ethics in Public Service Act and Western Washington University Ethics policies and procedures.

The on-line training course is designed to enable its participants to:

• Gain an overall understanding of the Ethics in Public Service Act
• Recognize situations covered by the Ethics in Public Service Act
• Develop an awareness of the ethical aspects of public actions and decisions
• Learn decision-making techniques that can resolve ethical problems

Ethics in Public Service New Employee Orientation

The Ethics in Public Service New Employee Orientation has been provided by the Executive Ethics Board to share with all employees.  Please check out the frequently asked questions.  Responses have been provided in hopes to get a better understanding of the Executive Board application of the law. 

Online Ethics Quiz

Test your knowledge of the state's ethics laws.  The Online Quiz is available at any time by launching the following one hour question and answer session regarding ethics in general. This quiz is presented by the Washington State Executive Ethics Board.

Take the On-Line Training Quiz

Contacts

We encourage faculty and staff to address ethical questions and concerns with their chair, supervisor, director, dean and/or union leadership.  Other resources include:

• Chyerl Wolfe Lee - Assistant Vice President for Human Resources - Ethics Officer
  • Email: Chyerl.Wolfe-Lee@wwu.edu
  • Phone: (360) 650-3630
• Kim Herrenkohl - Director, Office of the Internal Auditor
  • Email: Kim.Herrenkohl@wwu.edu
  • Phone: (360) 650-3435
• Wendy Bohlke - Senior Counsel, Office of Attorney General
  • Email: wendyb@atq.wa.gov
  • Phone: (360) 650-2040
• Washington State Executive Ethics Board
  • Email: ethics@atq.wa.gov
  • Phone: (360) 664-0871
• WWU Whistleblower Designees

• Using University Resources (U5400.05)
• Receiving Honoraria (U5400.19)
  • Honorarium Authorization Form
• Professional Staff Policy on Consulting and Other Outside Compensated Professional Activities  (U5400.17)
• Faculty Policy on Consulting and Other Compensated Professional Activities (U5400.18 )
• Employing Family Members and Significant Others (U5410.01)
• Reporting Loss of University Funds (U5950.19)

Western Washington University

• Ethics In Public Service Act
• Summary of Highlights (RCW 42.52 & WAC 292.110.010)
• Faculty Handbook of Western Washington University
  • Page 2, Section III, Faculty Information
  • Page 4, Section IV, Reimbursements and Consulting Policies
  • Page 7, Section 4,  Creation, Elimination or Merger of a School, College, Academic Department, or Degree Program
• Code of Ethics for the Faculty of Western Washington University
  • Pages 1-3, Sections 1-6, Faculty responsibilities regarding intellectual honesty, working with students, academic freedom, free speech, responsibilities of shared governance
  • Page 3, Section 7, Conflict of Interest Resulting from Family and/or Intimate Personal Relationships in Employment Situations (See POL U5410.01)
  • Page 4, Section 8, Consensual Intimate Personal Relationships between Faculty and Students
• Research Compliance
• Patent and Copyright Policy
• Improper Governmental Actions (Whistleblower Act)

Washington State Executive Ethics Board (EEB)

• Home Page
• Frequently Asked Questions

Washington State Auditor's Office

• Washington State Whistleblower Program

Washington State Legislature

• RCW 42.52 Ethics in Public Service
• WAC 292-100 Procedural Rules
• WAC 292-110-010 Use of State Resources
• WAC 292-120 Executive Ethics Board -- Penalty Rules
• WAC 292-130 Agency Organization -- Public Records