CODE OF ETHICS OF
HIGHER EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGERS ALLIANCE, INC.
All members of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance, Inc. (“HETMA”)–both institutional and corporate–agree to the following code of ethics. Violation of these in any form may result in immediate removal from the organization.
Respect for others
It is mandatory to respect everyone you interact with. Be kind, polite, and understanding. You must respect others’ personal space, opinions and privacy. Any kind of violence is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination of rights of membership or affiliation. Harassment or victimizing others is strictly prohibited. You have a duty to report all misconduct whether committed against you, by you, or you are witness to, to the Board of Directors.
Integrity and honesty
As members of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance, we are representatives of the higher education vertical, our respective organizations, and the AV industry as a whole. Our mission is to advocate for the needs and well-being of our vertical. Your behavior should contribute to our goals, whether financial or organizational. Be honest and transparent when you act in ways that impact other people, recognizing that your actions impact the reputation of the organization and its desired objectives.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Members agree that the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance holds unilateral ownership of all confidential information. For the purposes of this agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall include, but not be limited to, documents, records, information and data (whether verbal, electronic, or written), drawings, models, apparatus, sketches, designs, schedules, product plans, marketing plans, technical procedures, manufacturing processes, analyses, compilations, studies, software, prototypes, samples, formulas, methodologies, formulations, product developments, patent applications, know-how, experimental results, specifications and other business information, relating to HETMA’s business, assets, operations or contracts, furnished to the member and/or a member’s affiliates, employees, officers, owners, agents, consultants or representatives, in the course of their work or organizational affiliation contemplated in this agreement, regardless of whether such Confidential Information has been expressly designated as confidential or proprietary. Confidential Information also includes any and all work products, studies and other material prepared by or in the possession or control of the member intended for use in official HETMA business, which contain, include, refer to or otherwise reflect or are generated from any Confidential Information.
Certain initiatives, including but not limited to the HETMA Approved Program and Advisory Boards, wherein corporate partners are sharing information not yet deemed public, the obligations of the members shall be to hold and maintain the Confidential Information included in these certain initiatives in the strictest of confidence at all times and to their agents, employees, representatives, affiliates, and any other individual or entity that is on a “need to know ” basis. If any such Confidential Information shall reach a third (3rd) party, or become public, all liability will be on the member who is responsible. Neither HETMA nor a member shall, without the written approval of the HETMA Board, publish, copy, or use the Confidential Information for their sole benefit. If requested, members shall be bound to return any and all confidential material within seven business days.
All members in leadership positions, on the board of directors, chairs, and/or involved in planning meetings that include information not yet deemed public, it is the bounded member’s duty to hold the Confidential Information unique to that leadership position in confidence until such information no longer qualifies as a trade secret or written notice is given releasing the member from this agreement. This agreement carries in perpetuity, even if the member should withdraw from general membership. This agreement expresses the complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior proposals, agreements, representations, and understandings. This agreement may not be amended except in writing with the acknowledgment of the Board of Directors.
Conflict of interest
Conflict of interest may occur whenever your interest in a particular subject leads you to actions, activities or relationships that undermine the organization or your institution. This includes situations like using the organization’s authority and influence for your own personal gain. All possible conflicts of interest must be reported to the Board of Directors or appropriate committee chairs, within seven days of becoming aware of potential conflict. All voted members–including, but not limited to, the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs–shall reaffirm annually their lack of conflict of interest upon commencement of their term.
Justice
Don’t act in a way that exploits others, their hard work or their mistakes. Give everyone equal opportunity and speak up when someone else doesn’t. Be objective when making decisions that can impact other people. Be sure that you can justify any decision with written records or examples. HETMA does not discriminate against any individuals, and strictly conforms to the Laws of the United States of America in advocating for those with protected characteristics. Members agree to be just towards one another, both members and non-members. If you believe HETMA was in the wrong in a specific instance, report it immediately to the Board of Directors.
Lawfulness
You are obliged to follow all laws which apply to the organization. Depending on your role, profession, or location, there might be various laws you need to observe. No member is entitled to form any agreement on behalf of HETMA without the written authorization of the Board of Directors. If you believe that HETMA has broken any laws, report the incident to the Board of Directors.
Competence and accountability
We all need to put a healthy amount of effort in our work. Not just because we’re all responsible for the organization’s success, but also because non-actions impact our colleagues and the organizational goals. As an organization based in higher education, we also expect that you are highly-qualified for any role you take on, especially when evaluating products or making financial decisions. Take up opportunities for learning and development. Take responsibility for your actions. Failing to be accountable on a regular basis or in important situations will result in removal from leadership roles.
Teamwork
Working well with others is a virtue, rather than an obligation. You will certainly get to work autonomously and be focused on your own projects and responsibilities. But, you should also be ready to collaborate with and help others. Be generous with your expertise and knowledge. Be open to learning and evolving. If days go by without you consulting or brainstorming with anyone, you are missing out on opportunities for excellence. Work with others and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Good Standing
All members shall remain in good standing and ensure all membership qualifications are adhered to. This includes, but is not limited to, being an employee of a higher education institution for institutional membership, and an employee of a recognized AV or AV-adjacent business for corporate membership.
Severability
If a court finds that any provision of this Code of Ethics is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this agreement shall be interpreted so as best to affect the intent of the parties. The parties acknowledge and agree that due to the unique and sensitive nature of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance, any breach of this Code of Ethics would cause irreparable harm for which damages and/or equitable relief may be sought. The harmed Party in this Agreement shall be entitled to all remedies available at law, as governed by the State of California.
Use of brand
The Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance, Inc. brand, likeness, logos, and identity may only be used for official HETMA purposes. Only members in good standing may claim affiliation. Only officially approved logos, colors, and marketing materials may be used.
<Rev 1.2 – June 26, 2023>
