Policy Notes: Code of Conduct

The policy notes outlined on this page pertain to employee's code of conduct as it relates to financial authority management, transaction review and approval.

On this page:

Primary Policy Source:  Administrative Guide Policy 1.1.1 and Policy 1.5.2 Section 2b

Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Employees are responsible for protecting all confidential, proprietary and private information that pertains to other employees, students, parents, vendors, donors, sponsors and other members of the Stanford University community.
  • Confidential privileged information acquired in connection with University supported activities MUST NOT be used for personal gain or other unauthorized purposes. Examples of confidential privileged information is nonpublic information that applies to University operations, as well as the following:
    • Medical, personnel or security records
    • Anticipated material requirements or price actions
    • Possible new sites for University-supported operations
    • Forthcoming programs or selections of contractors/subcontractors before official announcements
    • Investment decisions
  • Refer all questions about confidential information to the University Privacy Officer at privacyofficer@stanford.edu.

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Conflicts of Interest

  • University staff members and their immediate families MUST avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest between their University obligations and outside interests.

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Compliance with Laws

  • Employees must transact University business in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policy and procedure.
  • Employees are obligated to comply with all terms and conditions of contractual agreements, including sponsored project funding.

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Financial Reporting

  • All University accounts, financial reports, expense reports / reimbursements, and other documents, including those submitted to government agencies, must be accurate, clear, and complete.
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Use of University Resources

  • University resources must be used for business purposes on behalf of the University. This includes the use of iProcurement requisitions (SmartMart and Standard Purchase Requisitions), purchasing cards (PCards), and requests for Non-PO (non-purchase order) payments, advances, reimbursements, and petty cash.

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