Ethics Week Activities

The University System of Georgia (USG) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in its mission to generate knowledge. Achieving this mission requires integrity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to public service from every member of the USG community. To highlight this commitment, USG annually observes Ethics Awareness Week, which will take place this year from November 3-9, 2025. The purpose of this week is to remind all employees of our collective dedication to an ethical culture and the shared values and expectations we uphold.
Ethics Awareness Week is part of a broader Ethics and Compliance Program, which includes a system-wide Ethics Policy and Code of Conduct, onboarding ethics training, periodic refresher courses, compliance audits, special reviews, and an Ethics and Compliance Reporting Hotline.
In line with this initiative, 福利小视频 will host activities designed to strengthen our ethical culture, focusing on the system-wide core values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect. We will underscore the importance of these values, alongside our Code of Conduct, as the foundation of USG's priorities, including degree attainment, affordability, and efficiency. The planned activities for this week will raise awareness about ethics, celebrate the hard work of our employees, and promote the values that unite us. Our theme for the week is “Celebrating Our Ethical Culture,” with activities that will highlight:
1. Join the Mural: Color, Snack and Celebrate Ethics Week
Student Union Rotunda 12:00PM-2:00PM

2. USG Chancellor's Chat -Leading with Integrity 1:00PM
LIVE STREAM:

3. Blazer Creed Award Nominations Due
Blazer Creed Award: Nominations begin 10/20/25 and end 11/3/25 by 5:00PM. Award winners will be announced on Friday and celebrated on Wednesday 11/12/25 at 12pm in the Sue Cox Executive Dining Room.

1. 福利小视频 AI Ethics Panel Lunch & Learn 12:00PM
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 12 PM University Center – Cypress Room
Register for lunch via employee training database -Lunch will be provided. (25 limit)
Or online
Explore How We Can Use AI Responsibly
Don’t miss this chance to join the conversation shaping the future of AI ethics!
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in education and the workplace. Hear from faculty, students, and professionals as they share real-world use cases and perspectives on how AI is transforming teaching, research, and career development.
Together, we’ll explore key questions:
- How can we use AI tools responsibly in academics and internships?
- What ethical challenges come with data, bias, and automation?
- How do policies and best practices support fairness and accountability?
This interactive session will help you understand how to navigate the opportunities and risks of AI while promoting ethical and responsible innovation on campus.
Don’t miss this chance to join the conversation shaping the future of AI ethics!
Lunch will be provided. (25 limit)
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 12 PM University Center – Cypress Room
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 253 700 483 900 5
Passcode: pm7qm75t
Dial in by phone
+1 229-518-3129,,762790841# United States, Albany
Phone conference ID: 762 790 841#
For organizers: |

2. Understanding Conflicts of Interest in Higher Education-3:00PM-UC Cypress
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 3:00PM University Center Cypress
The purpose of this training is to raise awareness among faculty, staff, and students about conflicts of interest, how to recognize them, and how to manage or avoid them in a college environment. The goal is to promote transparency, fairness, and integrity within academic and administrative activities, ensuring that personal, financial, or professional interests do not interfere with the college's mission. We will also share the process for faculty and staff to submit outside employment/activities per the USG Conflict of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Outside Activities policy.
Chief Audit Officer Heidi Cox and Deputy Chief HR Officer Wendy Byrd

Heidi Cox Chief Audit Officer
Wendy Byrd, Deputy Chief HR Officer
1. Chalk About Ethics Competition-10:00AM-2:00PM Palms Quad

Use the QR code to Register |
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2. Green Zone Training-They have served us, it is time to serve them!”-11:00AM
The Office of Academic Affairs: Monica Close
A training initiative offering safe locations for student veterans to assist with their transition from service to civilian life, and understand their unique needs. Open to all faculty, staff, and students
Passcode: fE9hz78x
1. Free Expression - 10AM
Josiah Heidt: USG Assistant Vice Chancellor Legal Affairs
Thursday, November 6, 2025
What does free expression really mean in a university setting? How can campuses foster open dialogue while maintaining a respectful learning environment?
Join us for an engaging and informative presentation on “Free Expression” in higher education, led by Josiah Heidt, USG Assistant Vice Chancellor of Legal Affairs. This session will explore the legal foundations, campus policies, and practical realities of free expression in higher education.
Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or staff administrator, this session offers a valuable legal and ethical perspective on one of today’s most important topics in higher education governance.
Meeting ID: 236 023 618 866 5
Passcode: gj2VD6fj
2. Law Enforcement Ethics Panel Discussion -5:30PM
North Campus Pound Hall Auditorium
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the ethical challenges and responsibilities faced by law enforcement today. This event will feature local law enforcement professionals sharing insights on topics such as:- Ethical standards in hiring, training, and daily conduct
- The impact of social media and technology on policing
- Balancing transparency with confidentiality, especially in juvenile cases
- On-duty vs. off-duty behavior and accountability
- Ethical dilemmas involving AI, background checks, and pursuit protocols
- Campus policing and community engagement
Whether you're a student, educator, community member, or professional, this is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those in the field and engage in meaningful dialogue about ethics in law enforcement.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5:30 PM
Location: North Campus – Pound Hall Auditorium
Meeting ID: 293 417 416 223 9
Passcode: Pp9Me9qa
Panel:
- 福利小视频 Chief of Police – Chris Hughes
- City of Valdosta Chief of Police – Leslie Manahan
- Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant - Joe Dukes
- 福利小视频 Criminal Justice Professor – Dr. Fred Knowles
- 福利小视频 Criminal Justice Professor – Dr. Shani Wilfred

福利小视频 Chief of Police – Chris Hughes

City of Valdosta Chief of Police – Leslie Manahan
Lowndes County Lieutenant - Joe Dukes

福利小视频 Criminal Justice Professor – Dr. Fred Knowles

福利小视频 Criminal Justice Professor – Dr. Shani Wilfred
Office of Internal Audit
- West Hall Office 1301A 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, Georgia 31698
-
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - Phone
- Phone: 229.245.2491
- 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday - Friday


