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Section 1. Ethical Conduct in the Workplace

Workplace Harassment and Misconduct

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin to provide an educational and working environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors that is free from illegal and/or inappropriate workplace conduct, including violence, harassment, sexual misconduct, threats, and hazing. The University encourages students, faculty, staff and visitors to promptly report incidents of misconduct and will respond appropriately, including taking disciplinary action when warranted, in response to misconduct by its students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors.

For more information see:

Regent’s Rules and Regulations 30105 Sexual Harassment and Misconduct (.pdf)

HOP 2.A.3 Prohibition of Campus Violence

HOP 4.A.3 Sexual Misconduct

HOP 4.B.2 Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Provost’s Policies - Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Complaints

Texas Education Code, Ch. 37.151 Hazing

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Equal Opportunity/Discrimination/Diversity

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal employment opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable Federal and/or State law including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran status in recruitment, employment, promotion, compensation, benefits, or training. It is also the University's policy to maintain a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The University of Texas at Austin remains committed to seeking the best-qualified person to fill each available position and will reward each employee based on his or her job performance.

For more information see:

Regent’s Rules and Regulations 10701 Policy Against Discrimination (.pdf)

UTS105 - Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Policy

HOP 4.B.1 Nondiscrimination Policy

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Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Weapons

The unauthorized purchase, manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, storage or use of an illegal drug or controlled substance while on duty, while in or on premises or property owned or controlled by the University, or while in vehicles used for University business is prohibited. The unauthorized use or possession of alcohol while on duty or while in vehicles used for University business is prohibited. An employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. Employees may be required to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing when a supervisor observes an employee exhibiting such appearance and behavior in violation of this policy. Employees may be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing pursuant to drug and alcohol program requirements for specific positions. Displaying a weapon or an object which appears to be a weapon in a threatening manner is prohibited, as is carrying a firearm of any kind onto University owned or controlled property (except as permitted by state law or University policy).

For more information see:

UTS102 Drugs and Alcohol Policy

UTS164 Drug-Free University Community and Workplace Policy

HOP 2.A.2 Nonsmoking Policy

HOP 2.A.3 Prohibition of Campus Violence

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Use of State Property

Assets owned by U.T. Austin or any other state entity are to be used for official state purposes only. The personal use of any U.T. Austin asset is normally prohibited. University resources (facilities, equipment, other property, and personnel) shall not be used for personal gain or for other than official University business. The occasional, incidental use of certain items, such as e-mail and telephones, is allowed if it does not interfere with your job performance, or impose a cost to the University.

For more information see:

Policy Memorandum 6.101 Use of University Physical Facilities, Equipment, or other Resources by Faculty and Staff

Policy Memorandum 6.320 University Funds

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Obligation to Report Wrongdoing

All University employees have a personal and professional obligation to report, or cause to be reported, and to assist in any investigation by persons authorized or responsible for such matters, the following (collectively referred to as “wrongdoing”): Illegal or fraudulent activity; financial misstatements, or accounting or auditing irregularities; conflicts of interests or dishonest or unethical conduct; violations of the institution’s code of conduct; and violations of other laws, rules, or regulations.

For more information see:

Regent’s Rules and Regulations 30103 Standards of Conduct (.pdf)

UTS131 Protection from Retaliation for Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing

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Use of Intellectual or Copyrighted Property

Copyrighted material, which includes almost everything written or recorded in any medium, including software, is protected under the federal Copyright Act and generally may not be copied or used without the owner’s permission. Generally, such materials may be copied without the copyright owner's permission only within narrow exceptions under the Copyright Act. Any copying or reproduction of copyrighted software on University computing equipment must comply with the Copyright Act and any applicable software license agreement. Further, faculty, staff and students may not use unauthorized copies of software on University owned computers or networks or computers housed in University facilities. However, one exception, known as “fair use,” allows copyrighted materials to be copied or otherwise used without the copyright owner's permission.

For more information see:

UTS107 Use of Copyrighted Materials

UT System Office of General Counsel: Fair Use of Copyrighted Materials

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