Code of Ethics Resolution for the Presidential Search Committee Members

RESOLVED, by the Search Committee of Illinois Wesleyan University (the "University"), that:

1. All members of the Search Committee, by adoption of this resolution, agree to accept the responsibility, which is shared by my all Committee members, to protect the integrity of the University, and all prospects, semi-final candidates and final candidates throughout the Committee’s search for the 18th President of the University, and thereafter.

2. All members of the Search Committee agree that only the Chairman of the Search Committee is authorized to speak to the news media on behalf of the Search Committee, and that all media inquiries received by members of the Committee will be referred to the Chairman, without comment.

3. All members of the Search Committee agree to disclose promptly to the Committee any appearance of real or potential conflict of interest in a relationship between themselves and a prospect or candidate.

4. All members of the Search Committee acknowledge that information management is a crucial component of the Search Committee's work. This work includes information developed and received about prospects, candidates and their employing institutions. All members of the Committee understand this effort is necessary to attract high-quality finalists, to avoid putting their current positions in jeopardy, and to protect the University’s integrity. Specifically, all members of the Search Committee agree to adhere to the following principles:

a. Members will respect and preserve the absolute confidentiality of all information concerning prospects and candidates, and will not reveal the identity or any other information about prospects and candidates before or after the Committee completes its work.
b. Members will be fair, accurate, honest and responsible in their management of information germane to the search.
c. Members will guard against inaccuracies, carelessness, bias and distortion made by either emphasis or omission of information.
d. Members will strive to treat issues impartially and handle controversial subjects dispassionately.
e. Members will give accurate and complete reports on candidates to the Chairman of the Search Committee.

5. All members of the Search Committee will place the best interests of the University ahead of all special and personal interests and will use common sense and good judgment in applying these ethical principles to the work of the Search Committee.

6. In order to protect further the interests of the University and to assist the successful candidate in the assumption of his or her duties, members of the Search Committee agree that they will unanimously support the final decision of the Committee, which will be made by majority vote of the Committee, and that opinions expressed and votes cast by members during the course of the Committee’s work will be maintained in confidence following the completion of the Committee’s work.