Values and Codes of Conduct
Essential Values
At the School of Religion, the following fundamental values have been affirmed:
- Integrity in our words and actions.
- Freedom of inquiry and expression.
- Respect for the worth of all persons.
- Justice in relationships among people.
- Openness to diversity in faith and outlook.
Queen’s University Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct describes, in general terms and with specific examples, what constitutes unacceptable behaviour in the Queen's community. It also explains the University's disciplinary and grievance systems for both academic and non-academic offences. It can be found on the University’s website at http://www.queensu.ca/registrar/aboutus/policies/codeofconduct.html.
Requirement to Withdraw for Breach of Standards
Students in a theology degree or certificate program, or enrolled in courses that could be credited towards such degrees or certificates, are expected to abide by the stated purpose and core values, policies, and codes of conduct (standards) established by the School of Religionand other relevant bodies, including Queen's University and, where applicable, codes of conduct, ethical standards and policies established by the student’s faith community. Students have an obligation to inform themselves of all relevant standards. A student who is found to have engaged in behavior which violates these standards may be required to withdraw.
Computer Code of Ethics
Queen’s University has also established a Computer User Code of Ethics. Before receiving your "NetID" which allows you to use the Queen's systems, you must indicate that you have read this document and agree to comply with it. This document is available on-line at http://www.queensu.ca/secretariat/senate/policies/codes.html.
The following is an extract of the Senate’s policy on use of computers. Students are responsible for making themselves fully aware of the complete policy.
Computer User Code of Ethics
-
Users are ultimately responsible for any and all use of their computing and network accounts. Consequently:
- Users should maintain secure passwords for all accounts assigned to them.
- Users should take precautions against others obtaining unauthorized access to their computing and network resources. This obligation applies particularly to users who are responsible for or who have access to confidential information.
- Users should not divulge passwords and other access control information for their personal accounts to any other person.
- Users must not use or attempt to use computing or network facilities or accounts to which they have not been granted explicit access by an appropriate system administrator. Users must use only those computing and network facilities and accounts for which they have proper authorization.
- Users must use computing and network facilities and services only for the purposes for which they were authorized. Specifically, University computing and network accounts must not be:
- Used for private consulting or for any form of direct or indirect personal financial gain (except where previously authorized).
- Sold to any other person.
- Provided as resources to other persons or organizations for unauthorized purposes.
- Users must respect all software copyrights and license agreements associated with university computing and network facilities. Terms and conditions in software licenses can vary considerably. The onus is on the person using the software to familiarize themselves with their responsibilities and limitations under each software license agreement. Users must not attempt to:
- Access and use software belonging to or licensed to other users or to Queen’s University without proper authorization to do so.
- Move or copy programs, subroutines and any other forms of software from one computing system to another without proper authorization. This includes personal computer, microcomputer and personal workstation software.
- Distribute, sell or otherwise make available software when such activity is prohibited by the license agreement for that software.
- Users must respect the copyright and intellectual property rights associated with information resources available to them, including documents, databases, and digital audio and digital video materials.
- Users must not access data or information stored on personal or University-owned computing systems without the permission of the owner or custodian of that information.
- Users must not attempt to interfere with the normal operation of computing and network systems or resources that are shared by other users.
- Users must not attempt to encroach on others’ use of computing or network facilities or to deprive others of resources.
- Users must not attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with their computing and network accounts.
- Users must not use University computing or network facilities to do anything that is a violation of the rights of others. For example, users should not use University facilities to display, distribute or otherwise make available obscene, vulgar or harassing messages or material.
- Users must not attempt unauthorized access to computing or network installations outside of Queen’s using Queen’s computers or communications facilities. More generally, users must adhere to all conditions associated with agreements between Queen’s and external network providers. (For example, see “ORION Authorized Use”).
- Users must not use University computing and network resources for any activity that violates federal or provincial laws.
The University has also created a webpage to define and address Email Harassment, found at http://www.queensu.ca/its/email/harassment.html.
Conflict of Interest
Fairness or objectivity may be compromised if academic evaluation is conducted, even in part, by someone to whom there is a close personal tie (for example, family member, partner in an amorous relationship, or housemate). Where such a tie does exist between student and instructor, the parties involved have the responsibility to declare a potential conflict of interest, normally to the Chair of Theology or the Principal, who may assist, without prejudice, in arranging evaluation by alternative means. For the purposes of this regulation, instructors are understood to include professors and lecturers, tutors, markers, teaching assistants, and supervisors.
Spiritual Care, Ministry and Sexual Ethics
The School of Religion, Queen’s University requires all M.Div. and B.Th. students to participate in educational components in the curriculum that explore issues of power, boundaries, and sexual ethics in the practice of ministry and spiritual care. This exploration will include the discussion and examination of denominational documents from a student’s own tradition that address these issues. [For example, United Church students would discuss the policy of The United Church of Canada found in the document Sexual Abuse (Sexual Harassment, Pastoral Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault) and Child Abuse. Find this on their website at http://www.united-church.ca/minstaff/pastoral/guidelines/sap.] These educational components are included in THEO 707, “Introduction to Spiritual Care & Counselling”.
Harassment and Discrimination Policy
The School of Religion follows the terms of the Harassment/Discrimination Policy set out by Queen’s University provided on the website http://www.queensu.ca/secretariat/senate/policies/harass/index.html . Queen’s University will not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or handicap. If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against it is important that you talk to one of the University Harassment Advisors.
If you want more information on this policy or want a confidential and supportive environment to talk about an incident you were involved in contact Queen’s Human Rights Office at 533-6886, email hrights@queensu.ca , website http://www.queensu.ca/humanrights/ .
Inclusive Language
The students and faculty at the School of Religion come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our social histories, economic situations, gender, sexual orientations, races and ages are very diverse. The School of Religion wishes to respect and uphold all of its members’ life histories and current situations. Accordingly, the School has adopted a policy whereby all faculty and students are asked to use inclusive language in their presentations (both oral and written). Inclusive language does not mean that you cannot use either male or female imagery for God; rather, it means that presentations should include both female and male imagery for God. It does not mean, for example, that either the rich or the poor are excluded, but rather that both are included. There is often much discussion about what inclusive language is and whether the inclusive language policy is appropriate or not. As you are preparing your written and oral presentations, please remember that the policy was adopted in an attempt to include the whole people of God. It is not intended to exclude.
If inclusive language is a concept that is new to you or you have concerns please talk to either your faculty advisor or the Chair of Theology.
Privacy Protection
Queen's University is committed to the protection of the privacy of those who work and study here; therefore student numbers and files are confidential. It is university policy not to release personal information without consent of the student except in the case of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual. Queen’s University has an Access & Privacy Coordinator who is responsible for the administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Coordinator also acts as a resource for members of the University community who encounter privacy issues in the course of their work or study at the University. Please see the Access and Privacy website at http://www.queensu.ca/accessandprivacy/index.html for more information.
[Return to Theology Student Handbook Page] [Next Page - Academic Regulations and Procedures]