Information for the LSMU community about the Principles of Academic Ethics

Honourable members of LSMU academic community,

Today we all live in an unusual period when changes in work, study, home environment determine our psychological well-being and more often cause certain actions. The academic community is facing unsettling challenges but nevertheless it must show academic leadership, provide and nurture the highest competencies in scientific research, teaching, professional activities at all levels – academic subject, academic unit, institution to the University and the community.

We hope that even in different living and working circumstances our community will stay united and pursue common goals based on the University values in accordance with the principles of academic ethics (LSMU Code of Ethics, 2014):

All members of the university community are committed to follow these principles:

1.1         The principle of personal respect. All rights, freedoms, beliefs of all members of the University community are respected, regardless of nationality, race, gender, age, social status, religious or political beliefs; members of the University community or society are not being offended verbally or by misconduct.

1.2         The principle of human dignity. All members of University community acknowledge personal and others value, respect the identity and autonomy of every individual.

1.3         The principle of autonomy. All members of the University make independent decisions and ground their actions, based on their beliefs, values and worldviews that manifest itself through self-regulation, self-motivation and voluntary performance of duties.

1.4         The principle of moral responsibility. All members of the University community are personally responsible for their actions and decisions; No form of violence, bribery, illegal use and emission of information is tolerated.

1.5         The principle of equivalence. All members of the university community are equal and have a right to influence the decisions regarding University activities.

1.6         The principle of justice. The behavior of all members of the University community is valued equally, regardless of the position; separate attempts of the members of the University community to obtain or grant an assessment that does not conform to the established rules of the University are not tolerated. Any issues of shared values are addressed openly and publicly.

1.7         The principle of honesty. All members of the University community, while on their respective duty, comply with the integrity of scientific, pedagogical, health care and other activities. Fraud facts are publicized.

1.8         The principle of solidarity. All members of the University community protect the interests of the University and its members from violations.

1.9         The principle of publicity. The community of the University has all access to all official information that is not restricted or confidential.

1.10      The principle of confidentiality. All members of the University community respect each other’s rights to privacy. A non-relative to the Code personal information concerning the members of the University community is not disclosed publicly.

1.11      The principle of tolerance. The members of the University community respect the opposite opinions and beliefs in pursuance of a peaceful and trustworthy atmosphere.

Please bear in mind that responsible behavior in social media is obligatory when being out of office/ studies or during non-working/studying hours. I.e. individuals acting as natural persons are advised not to use the University’s name in any personal, political, religious activities (other than presenting general personal information) which could affect others to evaluate statements made or actions taken.