Policy Related
Code of Professional Conduct
19-01
AIA National Code of Ethics AIA Cleveland Anti-Harassment Policy AIA Cleveland Harassment-Complaint Procedure AIA Cleveland Equity Policy AIA Cleveland Conflict of Interest Policy AIA Cleveland Bylaws AIA Cleveland Mission Statement AIA Cleveland Strategic Plan
AlA Cleveland, a component of the American Institute of Architects, is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations, and to maintaining the highest ethical standards and relationships in the way we conduct our operations and activities. This policy is designed to promote a respectful and professional dialogue with everyone, helping AlA Cleveland forward its mission and strategic plans in meetings, events, and within its public messaging and identity. Although there is no way to delineate every potential area of professional conduct expected of its members and employees, the following is an illustrative list. AIA Cleveland does not intend this list to be comprehensive or to limit its right to impose sanctions for any other conduct it deems inappropriate. Standards of conduct apply to all members whether he / she / they is on AIA Cleveland property, at an AIA event, conducting AIA business, or within the community. Engaging in any conduct that AIA Cleveland deems inappropriate may result in sanctions, as more fully set forth below. By participating on AlA Cleveland's Board, committees, events, and in public communication, you agree to abide by the following. If needed, action, as appropriate, will be determined by the AlA Cleveland Board. By engaging with AIA Cleveland, in effect your pledge includes: • • • • • • •
Only speak on behalf the organization when authorized to do so. Board or Executive Committee or President or Executive Director approval covers verbal and written communications within and outside of the organization. Aiming to demonstrate a consistent pattern of reasonable care and respectful, professional competence. Disclosing conflicts of interest. Treating others in a respectful professional manner, maintaining a civil atmosphere, refraining from badgering or intimidating others, and refraining from comments that attempt to shut down an open dialogue. Working positively to establish relationships that forward the mission of AIA Cleveland. Following AlA Cleveland's policies, and not engaging in harassment or discrimination toward anyone in connection with activities relating to AIA Cleveland. Maintaining general confidentiality when discussing information, and disclosing potential conflicts of interest. Confidentiality could include the sharing of another’s reasonably-understood businessproprietary information without release. Conflicts of interest could include but are not limited to: monetary gain, close relationships or the appearance of a personal affiliation or gain. Confidentiality does not apply to litigation where a protective order or similar protection is in place.
AlA Cleveland I Center for Architecture and Design I 2059 East 14th Street I Cleveland, Ohio 44115 I 0: 216.626.5755
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Refraining from engaging in speech or conduct which is disparaging or derogatory in connection with activities relating to AlA Cleveland. Refraining from using AIA Cleveland’s logo, marketing materials, or Architype font without receiving approval from AIA Cleveland or as otherwise authorized by the Bylaws of the Institute or of AIA Cleveland. Refraining from falsification of AIA Cleveland records or documents. Giving the Board the opportunity to decide its position and method of communication on activism. Providing monthly reports from Committee Chairs on activities, communications, and strategic planning to the Board before the Board meetings.
Reporting a Violation Violations of this policy may be reported to the AIA Cleveland Executive Director and / or to the Board of Directors. If the Executive Director, a Committee Chair, or Meeting Leader deems that a member or nonmember has not followed this Professional Conduct at a specific meeting, he / she / they may: • •
Request that the offending person leave and expect this person to honor this request; and / or Refer the matter to the board.
The Board will be responsible for resolving any reported violation, and will determine an appropriate course of action. This will ordinarily involve, a prompt inquiry or investigation, which shall be conducted with discretion and be kept confidential, within reason. Such inquiry or investigation shall be conducted by the Board or by one or more of its members, by legal counsel retained by AIA Cleveland’s insurance company, or by such other person(s) as the Board may designate. No Retaliation Retaliation is strictly prohibited. Retaliation is an adverse action against someone because he / she / they has brought a violation of this policy to the attention of the board or provides information to AIA Cleveland regarding such concern or complaint. Board Actions: Promptly after the inquiry or investigation has been completed, the resulting findings will be reported to the Board. The Board shall then conduct such proceedings and take such action as may be appropriate and authorized under applicable law and under the governing documents of the Institute and of AIA Cleveland. If a covered individual has been charged with the pertinent violation, he / she / they may present arguments and supporting evidence on his / her / their behalf, but will not otherwise influence or participate in the Board’s proceedings on the violation. If the Board of AIA Cleveland fails to address an alleged violation in the manner shown above, the person reporting the alleged violation may contact AIA Ohio at kate@assnoffices.com. Certain acts may violate the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and therefore might be the subject of a complaint to the Institute’s National Ethics Council. For more information, go to the link provided above. Adoption Subsequent
March 14, 2019 September 12, 2019 Revision, June 05, 2020 Revision
AlA Cleveland I Center for Architecture and Design I 2059 East 14th Street I Cleveland, Ohio 44115 I 0: 216.626.5755