A message from Rhonda L. Bishop

This university is an outstanding institution made up of dedicated and loyal employees who demonstrate integrity and a desire to do the right thing. Despite what we’ve read in the news in the past, or what we’ve heard others say, I believe we have a culture based on integrity and doing the right thing. This doesn’t mean nothing will ever go wrong or that there won’t be misconduct, but what it does mean is that when this occurs, we as an organization come together to address the issues and misconduct. We should all be proud of who we are and what we have contributed to this great university. We should all understand that the actions of a few can never outweigh the actions of a majority. I want to acknowledge each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to doing the right thing. I also want to thank all of you that have brought forth concerns over the years that we have been able to address. It takes great courage to come forward and without your bravery  many concerns would go unidentified and unaddressed. It is the dedication and commitment to integrity and ethics demonstrated by each of you, and my team, that helped to convince me to return to this great university. I am eager to support the joint effort to regain confidence and trust in our institution and to be the voice for those who haven’t yet been heard. Thank you for hanging in there this past year and not giving up. We will be a stronger university working together and each of our actions will convey to others our commitment to an ethical culture.

As you have seen, there are a number of steps we must take to earn back trust, one being our recommitment to our values, our Code of Conduct, and receiving training on the options available for reporting misconduct. We know this was a big ask, but you rose to the challenge and completed this training with very short notice. Thank you. I am very proud to be back to lead this great organization in its ethics and compliance efforts, to reclaim our status as the most robust and comprehensive compliance and ethics program in the SUS, and to demonstrate our university’s commitment to fostering an ethical culture. I also want to thank Christina Serra for serving in the interim position and for doing such a phenomenal job leading the compliance and ethics program.

To that end, please take a moment to read the article from Interim President Thad Seymour on building on our ethical culture.

Also featured in this edition is an article on international considerations in compliance, specifically export controls. If you travel abroad, host international guests, or are engaged in research, please be sure to read this article.

An often forgotten or unknown resource for our employees is our University Ombuds Office. In recognition of their annually celebrated Ombuds Day each October, we provide you with an overview of services offered by the office, and a video explaining the role of an Ombuds.

As we have done in previous years, we will be recognizing Compliance and Ethics week during the first full week of November. Keep an eye out for announcements on activities scheduled during November 4-8 to find out how you can participate.

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the IntegrityStar. We welcome your suggestions for future topics and your feedback. Please write to us at complianceandethics@ucf.edu.