Code of Ethics
King Khalid University (KKU) is committed, in all its policies, decisions and dealings with ethical framework. It is also governed by a set of values derived from the teachings of our Islamic religion which have been approached by this country's leaders. Moreover, these values are consistent with the Ministry of Higher Education’s policies and are in harmony with the pursuit of King Khalid University into a unique excellent university. So, the university’s concerns are not confined only to the educational, research and community service activities, but it ensures that it is an academic institution which offers these three functions under a framework of ethical values. There is no doubt that the multifunctionality of the university and the increasing and complexity of the undertaken tasks, as well as the increase in internal and external relationships, have imposed the need for an ethical framework that instructs and directs the behavior of its employees, especially at varying points of view about a particular behavior pattern. Here ethical framework comes to set a number of specific ethical trends, standards, responsibilities, controls and caveats, that are agreed upon and which govern the practices within the university community. However, the ethical framework is so different from the terms, rules or regulations, in that it is a declared agreement among a group of sides on framework of ethical values and specific set of behavior rules in various situations. For that, it represents a compelling ethical value for all.
Purpose of the Ethical Framework
This framework reflects King Khalid University’s policy of adherence to the principles of Islam through a set of values that govern its conduct and the conduct of its members. It also aligns with the policy of the Ministry of Higher Education and the Kingdom in emphasizing integrity across all state institutions, and corresponds with the expectations and vision of individuals and institutions within society toward the University. Accordingly, all University members are committed to adhering to this sound framework, as each bears multiple responsibilities toward the University, including students, administrative staff, faculty members, and leadership, in addition to its physical components such as buildings, various resources, and the broader external community. This framework is not intended to introduce new values that are not already practiced within the University community, nor to compensate for deficiencies among its members; rather, it serves to affirm and clarify agreed-upon patterns of behavior and practices for all University members, particularly in cases of differing viewpoints. It also functions as a guide for new members and as a declaration to society’s institutions and individuals of the value system and behavioral approach governing King Khalid University. The framework includes a set of agreed-upon commitments and responsibilities among all University members, encouraging adherence, the reinforcement of positive values and practices, and the avoidance of prohibited conduct. It is centered on commitment to a clear and defined value system that ensures respect for individuals, protection of rights, accountability, provision of an outstanding academic and administrative work environment, development of individual and institutional capacities, promotion of academic values, equal opportunity, and excellence in performance. Given the diversity and evolution of the University’s relationships with community institutions over time, the practices of its members must align with this diversity to ensure meaningful positive engagement, which necessitates periodic development of the ethical framework in response to emerging behavioral patterns. This framework differs from a code of practice; however, it includes certain responsibilities of an ethical nature that intersect with professional practices. This does not represent overlap or misunderstanding, as the fundamental principle is the ethical execution of professional practices.
Importance of the Ethical Framework
This ethical framework derives its importance from being:
A guide for the conduct of faculty members, academic and administrative leaders, staff, and students.
A determinant of acceptable and unacceptable behavior in all practices within and outside the University campus.
A motivator for improving professional and ethical performance.
A contributor to increasing satisfaction among all stakeholders inside and outside the University.
A confirmation and protection of individual, collective, and institutional rights.
A reference document for evaluation and accountability.
Scope of Application of the Framework
All individuals associated with King Khalid University through a working relationship, including:
Academic and administrative leadership of the University.
Saudi, contracted, and visiting faculty members.
Administrative staff and employees.
University students.
Permanent and temporary workforce, including projects and assigned tasks.
Institutions working with the University under contractual agreements.
Mechanism for Developing the Ethical Framework of King Khalid University:
Distinguished and successful experiences related to this field in Saudi and regional universities were reviewed and utilized.
The initial draft of the framework was prepared by the University Vice Presidency for Development and Quality.
The draft was presented to the Deanship of Development and Quality for review and feedback on the proposed document.
The proposed document was presented to the deans of several colleges to provide their suggestions and perspectives.
Revisions were made based on the feedback received from the college deans, and the document was then circulated to colleges for further review by department and college councils.
The framework was further refined based on feedback from University units until reaching its final version.
The ethical framework was officially approved by the University Council and announced for implementation.
Responsibilities of Academic and Administrative Leadership
Leadership is a responsibility before it is authority.
Dedication of time and effort to achieving the University’s vision, mission, and objectives.
Commitment to realizing the University’s values.
Utilizing granted authorities in the interest of the University and its work environment.
Prioritizing the University’s interests and strategic objectives over personal interests.
Adherence to all regulations and governing policies derived from university regulations.
Ensuring occupational and psychological safety across all University units and facilities.
Transparency in all administrative processes and clear communication of governing rules such as rewards, promotions, and disciplinary regulations.
Clarifying the reasons for disciplinary actions imposed on any University member.
Creating an appropriate academic and administrative environment.
Ensuring fair distribution of resources to all units and members to achieve efficiency.
Limiting the use of information and data to official work purposes.
Ensuring secure systems for data protection and proper usage.
Preventing conflicts of interest in contracts, procurement, or partnerships involving personal benefit.
Rejecting any material or non-material benefits from external entities linked to the University.
Ensuring optimal use of University resources to achieve quality outcomes.
Promoting fairness and merit-based selection across all University members.
Responsibilities of Faculty Members
Faculty members perform multiple roles and responsibilities within the University to achieve the desired development. Therefore, a set of responsibilities and obligations is associated with each of these roles, which faculty members must adhere to. The most important of these are as follows:
1- General Responsibilities:
Maintaining exemplary conduct and speech and serving as a positive role model.
Respecting and adhering to University regulations, policies, and ethical framework responsibilities.
Delivering outstanding performance in all assigned duties.
Pursuing academic, professional, administrative, and personal development.
Maintaining an appropriate personal appearance.
Refraining completely from receiving any gifts or benefits, whether material or non-material, from individuals with whom they have a relationship, including students and supervised graduate students.
2- Responsibilities Toward the University:
Awareness of the University’s vision, mission, goals, and values, and contributing to their achievement.
Maintaining the safety and security of the University, its members, and facilities during professional activities.
3- Responsibilities Toward the Department / Unit:
Studying and contributing to the development of the department’s vision, mission, objectives, and values.
Actively participating in designing and developing academic programs and courses.
Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve program objectives.
Participating in official councils and activities related to academic, research, and administrative development.
Engaging in social and cultural activities within the department.
Participating in scientific and professional programs.
4- Responsibilities During Teaching:
Preparing courses effectively and selecting appropriate teaching strategies.
Announcing course objectives in the first session and linking them to program outcomes.
Providing required learning resources such as books, references, and websites.
Adhering to lecture schedules and utilizing time efficiently.
Announcing and maintaining office hours to support students.
Maximizing the use of available learning resources.
Linking theoretical and practical aspects of teaching.
Adapting teaching methods based on feedback and evaluation.
Monitoring achievement of course objectives.
Considering individual differences among students.
Treating students with respect and professionalism.
Providing academic and behavioral guidance to students.
Collecting student feedback during and after the course.
Avoiding any financial exploitation of students, including forcing them to purchase materials or private lessons.
5- Responsibilities During Student Assessment:
Announcing assessment regulations and timelines at the beginning of the semester.
Clarifying assessment strategies used throughout the semester.
Using diverse assessment methods and tools.
Ensuring alignment between course objectives and assessment processes, including:
- Considering the relative weight of each objective and its corresponding questions.
- Balancing time allocated for each topic and its related questions.
- Matching exam duration with the time required to answer questions.
- Ensuring diversity in cognitive, skill-based, and affective objectives.
Providing an appropriate environment during assessments.
Utilizing technology in assessment whenever possible.
Using assessment results to improve curricula.
Maintaining confidentiality of exams and results.
Considering individual differences among students.
Not using grades as a form of punishment.
Ensuring scientific and quality standards in exam preparation.
Writing exam questions in clear and correct language.
Clearly indicating grade distribution on exam papers.
Being present during exams for emergencies.
Grading student responses personally using model answers.
Using both essay and objective question types.
Preparing a marking scheme before grading.
Evaluating responses with fairness and accuracy.
Providing feedback to students.
Allowing review of answers in case of complaints.
Announcing results using student identification numbers.
6- Responsibilities During Scientific Research:
Adhering to academic integrity, honesty, and intellectual property rights.
Respecting rights in collaborative research.
Aligning research with departmental, college, and University plans.
Focusing on applied research addressing societal needs.
Avoiding unnecessary use of research resources.
Ensuring proper use of equipment.
When collecting data, the following must be observed:
- Clearly explaining the purpose and usage of collected data.
- Ensuring confidentiality of data.
- Proper disposal of documents after use.
Following ethical standards in experiments involving animals or human subjects.
Presenting results objectively without bias.
Maintaining neutrality when reviewing research work.
Indicating University affiliation in publications.
During supervision, the following must be observed:
- Acting as a professional role model.
- Maintaining respectful relationships with students.
- Avoiding assigning tasks outside research scope.
- Properly citing student work.
7- Responsibilities During Community Service:
Maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of University data and information, and avoiding confusion between freedom of expression and any negative impact on the University’s vision, mission, and ability to achieve its goals.
Acting as a positive role model in conduct, speech, and behavior, and representing the University in a distinguished manner.
Adhering to public ethics, regulations, and institutional policies.
Actively participating in community service activities at both individual and institutional levels.
Linking academic course content and examples provided to students with societal issues whenever possible.
Connecting research activities with societal issues and challenges whenever possible.
Guiding students toward positive ethics and desired social behaviors through words and actions.
Promoting values and ethical principles among students as future contributors to society.
Ensuring attention to public health and environmental well-being in all professional and research practices.
8- Responsibilities Toward Colleagues:
Representing the University positively in all interactions with colleagues inside and outside the University.
Maintaining positive and respectful relationships with colleagues.
Participating in social and academic activities organized by the department, college, or University.
Fully cooperating in shared academic tasks such as joint teaching responsibilities.
Contributing to program descriptions, reports, joint exam grading, and collaborative research activities.
Participating in broader initiatives for developing education, research, and community service.
Making available University resources in their possession to colleagues when needed, including equipment, materials, and educational tools.
Respecting colleagues’ privacy and refraining from interfering in personal matters or disclosing any information about them.
Responsibilities of University Students
Adhering to proper conduct, ethical values, and public manners.
Representing the University positively both internally and externally.
Maintaining appropriate appearance and respecting social and cultural norms.
Complying with University rules, regulations, and policies.
Understanding program objectives and striving to achieve them.
Attending lectures and academic sessions on time.
Maintaining an appropriate academic and research environment.
Respecting faculty members and treating them appropriately.
Participating in student activities to enhance development and belonging.
Maximizing use of University facilities and resources.
Preserving University property.
Claiming rights through official and legitimate channels.
Responsibilities of Administrative Staff
Maintaining ethical conduct and professional behavior.
Complying with institutional rules and regulations.
Understanding job responsibilities and ensuring competence.
Engaging in continuous professional development.
Maintaining and protecting University facilities.
Ensuring confidentiality of information.
Exerting maximum effort to achieve institutional goals.
Cooperating effectively with all University members.
Treating all beneficiaries respectfully.
Managing working time efficiently.
Demonstrating dedication and commitment.
Responsibilities Toward University Resources
University resources include all facilities, communication systems, networks, office equipment, printing devices, vehicles, chemicals, laboratory samples, and all services funded by the University such as electricity, water, and telecommunications.
Using resources strictly for work purposes except in emergencies.
Using resources efficiently without waste.
Handling equipment properly to extend usability and reduce maintenance costs.
Ensuring fair access to shared resources.
Maintaining safety in handling all resources.
Mechanisms for Activating the Ethical Framework
Establishing a permanent committee to monitor implementation and propose improvements.
Reviewing proposals and violations submitted by University units.
Submitting violations to authorized officials for action.
Violation of the Ethical Framework
The ethical framework represents a shared commitment among University members. Violations hinder progress and negatively affect the institution’s reputation, requiring appropriate regulatory actions.
Recommendations for Violations
The framework aims to improve conduct and includes graduated measures based on severity and recurrence of violations.
Issuing warnings from verbal to written.
Applying institutional regulations.
Compensating for damages.
Restricting participation in relevant activities.
Removing leadership responsibilities.
Suspending privileges temporarily.
Restricting participation in activities for students.