Code of Conduct
Preamble The University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Technikum Wien is a technical university offering degree programs in engineering sciences. The curriculum is focused on teaching the ability to solve the tasks presented by the respective professional field in line with the state of the science and the current and future demands of practice. As a tertiary institution of education, the thus assumes a responsibility towards science and society as well as the economy and industry and is aware of its position as a role model in that context. Teaching and research are social and interactive processes that are designed by people for people. In this sense, and in accordance with the mission statement, the UAS Technikum Wien also assumes responsibility towards all people who study and/or work at the university. Collective success is based on professionalism, competence, motivation, an appreciation of others, as well as responsible decision-making and behaviour on the part of all the people who are involved in the process of research, teaching and learning. In this respect, the present code of conduct of the UAS Technikum Wien and the Technikum Wien GmbH can be understood as an expression of values and a commitment to responsible and reflected decision-making and behaviour. It was developed with the involvement of all interested parties and applies to all people who work and/or study at the and its subsidiary: for all employees, for all students and all teachers. These interest groups are subsequently referred to as we. We deem ourselves responsible for respecting, holding and observing these principles and guidelines. In addition, we ensure that this commitment is circulated within the University of Applied Sciences. Finally, with the establishment and circulation of our code of conduct, we hope to contribute to the further development of the into a trustbased organization of increasing size, so that it can successfully master the common challenges it faces now and in the future. 2 3 Content Preamble 3 Scope 4 On the Treatment of Others & Personal Behaviour 6 Mag. Angelika Ott FH-Prof. DI Dr. Fritz Schmöllebeck FH-Prof. DI Dr. Peter Krösl Management Rector s Office Employees Representative Council On Relationships & Interests 8 On Trust & Resource Management 12 Commitment 14 Amadea Sofie Hiess Student Representatives Gabriele Költringer Technikum Wien GmbH Code of conduct of the and the Technikum Wien GmbH, version 1, 18 March 2014
Scope Framework The present code of conduct list the principles and guidelines as regards the treatment of others & personal behaviour, relationships and interests, and trust & resource management. It is aimed at all employees, all students and all teachers at the and its subsidiary. Managerial, executive or representative functions carry with them role model responsibilities. In this respect, particular persons who are entrusted with such functions should, in the spirit and scope of this present code of conduct, act in a responsible, professional and exemplary manner. Regard for laws and other regulations All applicable laws or other regulations, such as statutes (examination regulations, house rules), employment agree ments, contracts of employment or other agreements remain unaffected by this code of conduct. The present code of conduct has been adopted unanimously by the Council and enters into force as of 18 March 2014. 4 5
On the Treatment of Others & Personal Behaviour The treatment of others and fairness In our dealings both with co-workers as well as with third parties, we are committed to politeness, respect and re sponsibility. Discussions and decisions are based on professionalism, honesty and trust. We respect and esteem the dignity and personality of all those working and/or studying at the, as well as third parties. Conflicts or challenges are to be solved on the basis of objectivity, appreciation and constructiveness. In assessment and examination situations, in recruitment or application process, as well as in competition with third parties, we are committed, to the best of our knowledge and belief, to fairness, honesty and transparency. Adherence to schedules and consideration We undertake to meet agreed deadlines promptly and to inform others involved in good time should we be delayed. Even the answering of questions and responding to e-mails will take place in a period that is reasonable or necessary for the particular situation, with weekends, public holidays, sick leave and vacation time being taken into account. We are considerate of each other especially in classes or examinations, showing up on time and refraining from disruptive behaviour. Gender mainstreaming Promoting diversity and equal opportunities In our self-image and our responsibility as a university, we commit ourselves to respect and esteem the individuality of the people who work and/or study at the University of Applied Sciences. Therefore, in the fulfilment of our responsibilities and opportunities, we are intent on offer ing equal chances to all regardless of gender, age, religion, national origin/nationality, physical or psychological disabilities, sexual orientation or social background. In the spirit of the internationality in which we live, we bring together people of different cultures, with the resulting different ethical values or standards, procedures and understanding and we always look for what we have in common and not what divides us. We understand diversity as enrichment and apply targeted measures Discrimination and harassment In the spirit in which we respect and encourage diversity and equal opportunities, we refrain from any kind of discrimination or harassment of an individual on grounds of ethnic origin, religion, beliefs, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex as well as from inciting a person to such discrimination or harassment. These include, for example, all forms of intimidation, hostility or humiliation as well as all forms of sexual harassment such as unwanted advances, condescending remarks or lewd gestures, which violate the dignity and integrity of a person, or have this purpose. Similarly, we tolerate neither the pretence of such discrimination and harassment nor an abuse of such to that effect. 6 We see gender mainstreaming as a cross-sectional and to make diversity visible as a potential and to promote 7 joint task: We check contents, structures and processes for and make use of it. equal access to resources, development opportunities and decision-making processes and ensure a balanced representation of the sexes in the different levels and areas. We promote equal opportunities with various activities and actions. We consider all sexes as equal and to that effect treat everyone with appreciation.
On Relationships & Interests Bias and conflicts of interest Dependency relationships Teaching and learning culture Communication In line with our duties and responsibilities, we act transparently and with loyalty to the. We respect privacy and separate private activities or family interests from affairs at the, lest these lead to conflicts of interest. This applies in particular to bias due to close, personal relationships during the awarding of teaching assignments, recruiting or appeal processes, application procedures, secondary employment, internships or examinations. In the case of bias, the person in this situation must immediately inform their supervisor or the competent bodies for the purpose of disclosure. The same is true for any legal transactions concluded on behalf of the. We are aware that close or more intensive relationships can arise from working closely together. An unequal distribution of power can lead to dependency relationships. We neither abuse these situations for our own benefit nor do we cause other people financial or personal harm. In dependency relationships or close personal relationships between teachers and students a clear separation is to be maintained between the personal relationship and assessment, in that a third party will carry out the assessment process. Gratuities and the accepting of bribes Under personal gratuities we understand the giving or In examination situations, we do not tolerate any forms 8 receiving of gifts, invitations, money, payment in kind or of deception or deceit (such as cheating or the fraudulent Press releases and other documents used for media 9 services with regard to activities or study at the UAS Technikum acquisition of services). purposes are to be communicated or released only by Wien. Gifts are generally seen as an expression of management, the rector s office or the person responsible appreciation, or the construction or maintenance of professional for media relations. relationships, provided they do not exceed the appropriate level. In this respect, all gratuities are handled transparently, on a reasonable commercial scale and with a healthy sense of proportion. On the other hand this becomes a bribe when there is an expectation of receiving a benefit that works to the giver s advantage whether it be, for example, prospective business contacts, better grades or evaluations, a study place or other services and to that extent such influences, both active as well as passive, are not tolerated. Teaching and learning processes reflect the interests of all parties and only lead to success when there is a joint commitment. The presumed difference between teachers and learners is embedded in a culture that is characterized by mutual respect and reciprocal recognition. Because teaching does not automatically lead to learning, firstly a variety of methods and reflection opportunities are offered and supported to take account of the individualization and development of the students. Secondly, the students participate actively, in a self-organized and independent fashion in their learning and academic success both in the learning process as well as in all preparatory and follow-up work. The students are to encounter the good organization and support of the degree programs and departments in an appreciative and respectful manner. All parties are committed to a behaviour that supports the smooth running of the courses of study, promotes the image of the and respects the dignity of all people involved. We are committed to providing information as clearly and as promptly as possible. It is the responsibility of each individual to share information as well as to ensure that they receive any relevant information. The freedom of expression of all those working at the and/or those studying is a valuable asset for us, which is why we encourage and demand a polite and dialogue-based communication culture. We use gender-neutral language, and an appreciative mode of expression towards people of different cultures, different sexual tendencies and individual worldviews. For us, constructive teamwork means accepting different opinions and recognizing individual strengths.
On Trust & Resource Management Academic integrity Data Protection Social Media Health and Environment We teach and conduct research based on of the criteria of good scientific practice and taking into account the interests of society and the economy. In our academic activities we are working at the cutting edge within each subject and document comprehensibly to third parties not just all the processes and sources but also the data we have researched and shared. Academic misconduct, be it intentional or as a result of gross negligence such as the declaration of incorrect sources, missing sources or even inventing findings and unjustified authorship (passive participation) will not be tolerated. Academic misconduct also includes the infringement of intellectual property, such as plagiarism or forgery, the use of a foreign authorship without consent Professionalism, responsibility and carefulness are guidelines for us in dealing not just with people but also with data. In this respect, we ensure that the internal data, documents and processes of the are treated confidentially and not disclosed to unauthorized third parties even after employment is terminated. We ensure that internal university documents are so stored that they are not accessible to unauthorized third parties. Personal data that is collected by the in the course of surveys, application processes or recruiting will be used only in accordance with the relevant laws, in particular the Data Protection Act. All guidelines regarding the handling of confidential data or information, data protection and the separation of professional and private matters also apply to social media networks. Based on our internal social media guidelines, on social media platforms we distance ourselves in particular from discriminatory remarks, libellous posts or the publication of pictures or images that can undermine the personal integrity of someone working and/or studying at the. Budget Responsibility Those with budgetary responsibilities will act in the interests of the and their funding The strives to provide all those studying and/or working at the university with a healthy and safe working and studying environment and is therefore continuously implementing measures to promote and improve the health and safety of persons working and/or studying at the. The university is committed to sustainability and environmental awareness. On the one hand this is reflected in the content of teaching and research, and on the other in the thought given to the production of waste and the responsible use of resources such as paper or energy on the part of all parties. The premises and facilities provided by the are used carefully and we pay attention to a cost-conscious and responsible use of 12 or the deletion of data. agencies. Therefore, all tasks, and in particular financial objects, whether they are included in the room inventory 13 tasks, shall be carried out with responsibility and vision or rented from outside. Under academic integrity, we understand, among other according to the principles of legality, expediency, thrift things, that a document of academic activity is traceable, and transparency. Resources shall be used efficiently for meets academic standards and takes account of the the purposes of safeguarding the economic interests of demands for establishing the truth. the and its subsidiary.
Commitment Not respecting the principles and guidelines laid out here may on the one hand violate the integrity and dignity of persons or groups affected and on the other cause legal, financial or image-damaging consequences for the UAS Technikum Wien. In this respect, consequences shall be discussed and taken in each individual case, taking into account the internal university conditions and the legal framework. People who feel negatively affected by any form of disrespect of the principles and guidelines presented here or are indeed negatively affected may contact their supervisor or supervisors, the Employees Representative Council, student representatives, the UAS Technikum Council or the Gender & Diversity Officer at any time. The same applies to any questions regarding the applicability of the code of conduct presented here or modes of interpretation to that Finally, it remains one of the tasks and responsibilities of each and every individual to reflect critically on their own attitudes, behaviour and their own decisions and actions and to orient themselves with regard for the principles and guidelines set out in the code of conduct both at the as well as in external relations as a representative of the. From the inner conviction to ensure a high-quality academ ic and practical education and training and to create an environment for work and study that is based on trust, the attaches the greatest importance to the responsible and reflected decisions and actions of everyone studying and/or working at the. In this respect, we shall help each other to fulfil this requirement and would also like to offer support to our partners in society, the public in general, Mission Diversity With the thematic partnership Mission Diversity the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, together with organizations and businesses is implementing measures on the subjects of Diversity and Equal Opportunities in technical training and continuing education. Many thanks to our thematic partners: 14 effect. business and industry to the same effect. 15 Every request from the person concerned will be kept confidential therefore all those involved in the matter are subject to a professional obligation of secrecy. We would like to thank all who have worked on or provided impetus for this code of conduct. IMPRINT University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien Höchstädtplatz 6, 1200 Wien T: +43 1 333 40 77-0 I: www.technikum-wien.at Layout and photos: Linie B, Print: Robitschek
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