RSU adopts amendments to its Code of Ethics to uphold professional ethics requirements

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Senate has approved amendments to the University’s Code of Ethics, upholding professional ethics requirements for University staff. Two new principles have been added to the RSU Code of Ethics: the principle of human dignity and the principle of fairness. Ensuring the professional development of students and staff is defined as an obligation in the Code.

Two new principles have been added to the RSU Code of Ethics, and the wording of a number of existing principles has been clarified. For example, the newly introduced principle of human dignity emphasises that human dignity is an inviolable and universal human value and that RSU recognises, values, and respects the identity and autonomy of each individual. The Code of Ethics explicitly states that “RSU staff shall not tolerate emotional or physical abuse, including but not limited to sexual harassment, mobbing, bossing, bullying, as well as instructions to discriminate and victimise”.

Whereas, as part of the principle of fairness, RSU emphasises that all staff members are equal and that RSU

“shall not allow for discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, political, philosophical or religious beliefs, social origin, property, marital status or health, or any other reason”.

The Code emphasises that RSU staff is aware of and sensitive to differences between people from different cultures, promotes diversity, and creates an inclusive and safe working and study environment.

In a situation where the discussion on the ethics of the relationship between students and academic staff has become a matter of public debate, the RSU Code emphasises that

“RSU staff does not take advantage of the hierarchical relationship that exists between students, academic, and general staff for self-serving purposes".

The RSU Code of Ethics also includes a new section on improving the competence of staff. Every member of the University will be obliged to independently improve their knowledge of ethics, and the University will organise educational events for its staff on ethics and its importance at the University.

Special attention will be paid to educating new students. When starting their studies at RSU, students will be provided with information about the ethical standards at the University, where and how to report ethical violations, and the procedures for handling such violations. 

The RSU Centre for Educational Growth will develop mandatory training for University staff on ethical dilemmas in higher education (tips for academic staff on ethical cooperation with students; ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination in the learning process; legal aspects of violations related to violence, etc.). At the end of the training, staff will have to take a test related to the contents of the video.

RSU has already implemented the first face-to-face practical training simulation “Talks that change: recognising and preventing violence in a higher education institution”.

Topics related to ethical dilemmas, principles, respectful communication and student well-being will be included in the curriculum of RSU School for Young Academic Staff (a four-month training programme for academic staff starting their academic career), as well as in regular continuing education training for academic staff (lectures, seminars, workshops, etc.). 

In accordance with the RSU Constitution, ethical disputes at the University are examined by the Ethics Committee. The activities of the Ethics Committee are regulated by the Code of Ethics, which is approved by RSU Senate. RSU has determined that the Ethics Committee shall also be established by the Senate, which is the highest collegial academic decision-making body at the University responsible for the excellence and development of education and research. The amendments to the Code of Ethics have also been approved by the RSU Council.

As the next step, it is planned that a plan of activities will be drawn up to satisfy the ethical requirements, in cooperation with the RSU Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP).