Knowledge and awareness are vital, but as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. That’s why this year’s program is all about actively demonstrating your commitment to ethical excellence. With multiple levels of participation and exciting new opportunities, you’ll have the chance to:
- Learn and grow through interactive workshops and training.
- Showcase your dedication with fun and meaningful activities.
- Earn rewards and recognition for going above and beyond.
Earn Recognition
Are you ready to step up, stand out, and shine as a champion of ethics at The University of Alabama? The Ethics in ACTION Award celebrates those who go beyond the basics, turning ethical principles into everyday practices. Your journey to this prestigious honor is not just a checklist—it’s a mission to unleash your full potential as an ethical leader.
Start Strong with Ethics in Eight Classic!
Kick off your journey with the Ethics in Eight Classic eLearning series, accessible through UA LMS. Each module is designed to fit easily into your schedule, taking just 8 minutes or less to complete. You will earn 1 CEU credit in ethics for completing all 8 modules. Already completed these last year? Great news—you’re ahead of the game and ready to build on your foundation!
Unleash your inner hero at the Be the Hero Workshop!
Dive into action as you team up to tackle real-world ethical dilemmas and put your knowledge of the Code of Ethical Conduct to the test. Save the day, sharpen your skills, and earn 1 CEU credit in ethics along the way. Are you ready to rise to the challenge? Join us!
Flex your superpowers!
Demonstrate your dedication to the Code of Ethical Conduct by completing at least three bonus activities that exemplify your commitment to ethical excellence. These activities include engaging with our interactive pop-up tables, documenting real-world actions aligned with specific ethical standards (See the Live the Code section below.), or participating in selected instructor-led training sessions designed to deepen your understanding and application of the Code
Each step is designed to inspire, challenge, and empower you to live out the values of the Code of Ethical Conduct. Are you ready to rise to the challenge and earn your Ethics in ACTION Award? The journey starts here. Let’s get to it!
Ethics in ACTION Award Recipients
The following individuals have earned the 2025 Ethics in ACTION Award. Please join us in congratulating them!
| First | Last | Title | Department | Date Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delana | Harbison | Case Manager | Student Care & Well-being | 3/4/2025 |
| Miranda | McKee | Wellness and Work Life Coordinator | Wellness and Work-Life | 3/4/2025 |
| Sherri | Sellers | Executive Assistant I | AVP Student Engagement | 3/4/2025 |
| Shant'e | Pace | User Services Technician I | Telecommunications | 3/18/2025 |
| Rhonda | Hester | Environmental Programs Associate | UA SafeState | 3/25/2025 |
| Anna | McJenkin | Executive Assistant I | AVP Strategic Initiatives | 4/22/2025 |
| Paige | Vick | Business Systems Analyst II | Finance Technology and Data Integrity | 4/22/2025 |
| Betsy | Jarnigan | Accounting Analyst | Financial Accounting and Reporting | 4/22/2025 |
| Mary Catherine | Campbell | Grant and Contract Specialist I | Dean's Office – Engineering | 4/22/2025 |
| Sherell | McVay | Accountant II | Dean's Office Engineering | 4/22/2025 |
Live the Code
As part of the Flex Your Superpowers component of the program, you have the option to document your own real-world activities that show your dedication to the ethical standards. We know that many of our faculty and staff are involved in volunteer activities that are above and beyond the call of their basic job descriptions, and we wanted to give those people an opportunity to be recognized for those efforts.
Documentation
On the Ethics in ACTION page in UA LMS, you will see a Live the Code option for each of the eight ethical standards. When you click on the option and enroll, you’ll be prompted to complete a checklist. This is where you will enter information about the activity that you completed. Once it is reviewed and accepted, you will receive program credit and you’ll get an email confirmation.
Minimum Qualifications for Bonus Activity Credit
- We are looking for something that is current, so the activity must occur during the 2025 calendar year.
- The activity must be something over and above your standard job duties.
- The activity should involve a total time investment of at least 2-3 hours.
- Each activity can only count under one standard for program credit.
- Participants may only submit one activity per standard.
- Activities should not be submitted in advance. Please wait to submit until the activity has been completed.
Example Activities
There are lots of ways to exemplify the Code, and we could never think of them all. The following examples are by no means all inclusive and are provided as a way to get your wheels turning. If you have an activity that you think would qualify, please submit it!
Quality
- Document innovative teaching methods or curriculum improvements that have led to measurable student success.
- Provide documentation of peer-reviewed publications or presentations at reputable conferences.
- Document participation in university committees or community outreach programs.
Respect
- Share examples of mentorship and support provided to students or colleagues outside of normal duties.
- Participate in a service project either with a group or individually.
- Serve as a volunteer advisor to a student organization.
Compliance
- Document activities related to maintaining compliance with a recently changed law or policy.
Conflicts of Interest
- Serve on a committee that monitors issues related to conflicts of interest or commitment.
Stewardship
- Document a recent process improvement initiative that you led or took an active part in. Explain how it saved time or University resources.
- Provide documentation of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, such as recycling programs or energy-saving projects. Include participation records and impact assessments.
Safety and Security
- Participate in voluntary training on a safety topic including emergency preparedness, suicide prevention, fire safety, or first aid/CPR.
- Participate in a table-top emergency simulation exercise.
- Serve on a committee that monitors safety and security issues.
Appropriate Billing
- Share documentation of a project to improve efficiency or accuracy of accounting, billing, or reconciliation for your department.
- Participate in voluntary training related to accounting topics.
Ethics in ACTION FAQs
Is this program required?
No. The Ethics in ACTION! program is completely voluntary.
Do I have to do all of the activities to participate?
You are welcome to participate at whatever level you want – read each month's email, stop by one of our Pop-Up table locations, or more actively participate in some or all of the training opportunities. Do what you are comfortable with and what works with your schedule.
Do I have to complete the steps in order?
Yes and no. You don't have to complete the Ethics in Eight eLearning modules in any particular order, but you'll need to complete them all before you attend the Be the Hero! Workshop. You are welcome to complete the bonus activities in any order.
How do I document real-world activities?
On the Ethics in ACTION! page in UA LMS, you will see a "Live the Code" option for each of the eight ethical standards. When you click on the option and enroll, you'll be prompted to complete a checklist. This is where you will enter information about the activity that you completed. Once it is reviewed and accepted, you will receive program credit and you'll get an email confirmation.
How long will this be available?
This program will run throughout the 2025 calendar year.
How am I rewarded for participation?
Aside from the feeling of accomplishment, there are several rewards for participation! Pick up some swag at the workshop or at our Pop-Up table. Earn CEU credit for completing the eLearning modules or the workshop. Those who complete all three parts of the program will earn a beautiful desk award, have their names included in our honor roll of heroes, and we will provide a recognition report to University leadership as well.
What if I still have questions?
No problem. Please reach out to us at compliancetraining@ua.edu.