Principles of Governance and Ethics
Purpose and Scope
This Ethics and Governance Policy outlines the principles, responsibilities, and practices that guide the ethical conduct and governance at EULER.
It applies to all members of the University community, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and partners.
Core Values
EULER is committed to:
Integrity: Acting with honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Respect: Valuing diversity, equal treatment, and the dignity of all individuals.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions.
Excellence: Upholding the highest academic, research, and administrative standards.
Stewardship: Responsibly managing resources and fostering sustainability.
Ethical Standards
3.1 Academic Integrity
All academic work must be conducted with honesty and without plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresentation.
Faculty and researchers must adhere to principles of responsible authorship, peer review, and research ethics.
3.2 Respect and Inclusion
Discrimination, harassment, and bullying in any form are strictly prohibited.
The university promotes inclusivity regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
3.3 Confidentiality and Privacy
Members of the community must safeguard personal and institutional data in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.
Information shared in confidence must be protected unless disclosure is legally required.
3.4 Conflict of Interest
Individuals must disclose and appropriately manage any conflicts between personal interests and university responsibilities.
Decisions must be made in the best interest of the institution, free from undue influence.
Governance Principles
4.1 Transparency
Decision-making processes must be clear, accessible, and documented.
Stakeholders will be informed of major decisions and given opportunities to participate meaningfully.
4.2 Participation and Representation
Governance structures shall include representation from faculty, staff, students, and alumni where appropriate.
Decision-making bodies (e.g., senate, board, committees) must ensure inclusive deliberation.
4.3 Accountability
All governing bodies and leaders must be answerable for their actions and decisions.
Annual reports, performance reviews, and audits shall be conducted to uphold institutional accountability.
4.4 Compliance and Risk Management
EULER complies with all applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
A proactive risk management framework will be implemented to identify and mitigate institutional risks.
Reporting and Enforcement
5.1 Reporting Concerns
Concerns regarding ethical violations, misconduct, or governance failures may be reported confidentially to the relevant Commission or Board.
5.2 Protection Against Retaliation
Individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected against retaliation.
5.3 Disciplinary Action
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion, in accordance with university procedures.
Review and Revision
This policy shall be reviewed at least once every year by the University Council in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Amendments require the approval of the Governing Board.
University Foundation Governing Board
The Governing Board is responsible for legal and financial oversight and compliance, as well as high-level relations with governmental and intergovernmental authorities.
- Prof Laurent CLEENEWERCK de KIEV, President
- Prof Ludovic CHAN-TUNG, Vice-President
- Mr Habte OGBAZION, Treasurer
- Violet SPEK-NICHOLAS, Secretary
University Executive and Academic Board
The University Executive and Academic Board implements the vision embodied in the EFMU Foundation as a non-profit foundation entrusted with the vision to continue the legacy of the Eulers and that of the University of Franeker. The President of the Governing Board serves ex-officio on the University Executive and Academic Board.
- Prof Winston DOOKERAN, as Chancellor
- Amb George SAID-ZAMMIT, as Rector Magnificus and Vice-Chancellor
- Robin VAN PUYENBROECK, as Global Operations Chairman
- Prof Laurent CLEENEWERCK de KIEV, as Global Academic Chairman
Ethic & Mission Commission
The EULER Ethics & Mission Commission is a dedicated body tasked with overseeing the university’s adherence to ethical standards, ensuring that core values such as diversity, academic freedom, integrity, and social responsibility are upheld throughout the institution. This commission plays a pivotal role in reviewing and guiding policies related to ethics, with a particular focus on fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all members of the university community. Additionally, the commission is responsible for the annual review of the university’s mission statement, ensuring that it reflects the evolving goals, values, and strategic direction of EULER. By meeting regularly, the Ethics & Mission Commission ensures that the university’s actions align with its foundational principles, providing guidance on ethical matters and ensuring continuous alignment with global educational standards.
Members of the Commission:
- Ex Officio: Chancellor (or representative / delegate)
- Ex Officio: Vice-Chancellor (or representative / delegate)
- Ex Officio: Global Executive Chairman (or representative / delegate)
- Ex Officio: Global Academic Chairman (or representative / delegate)
- Representative of Faculty Group: Prof Charalee Graydon; Prof Klemens Katterbauer
