Ethics Awareness Week Highlights USG's Commitment to Integrity
The University System of Georgia (USG) is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct in pursuit of its mission to create knowledge. Accomplishing this mission demands integrity, good judgment and dedication to public service from all members of the USG community. Annually, the USG highlights this commitment through an Ethics Awareness Week which is scheduled this year for November 2–8, 2026. The purpose of this week is to remind employees of our commitment to an ethical culture and our shared ethical values and expectations.
Ethics Awareness Week is part of a comprehensive Ethics and Compliance Program. This Program includes a system-level Ethics Policy and Code of Conduct, on-board ethics training, periodic ethics refresher training, compliance audits, special reviews and an Ethics and Compliance Reporting Hotline.
In support of this effort, Gordon State College will be hosting activities to build upon our ethical culture by promoting activities related to our system-wide shared core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and respect. We will emphasize that, in addition to our ethical values, our Code of Conduct is the foundation of the USG’s priorities of degree attainment, affordability and efficiency.
Activities during this week will bring awareness to ethics, reinforce the principles of recognizing the hard work of employees, and promote our shared values. Our theme for this week is the “SPIRIT of USG.” Activities planned will emphasize:
Stewardship. Prevention. Integrity. Responsibility. Inspiration. Trust.
Activities planned for this week are as follows:
All Week Long
- Donation Boxes will be located around campus to accept items for the Highlander House Food Pantry. For a list of Dorm-Friendly Items in high demand, click here.
Donations can also be dropped off at Human Resources in The Georgia House.
Monday, November 2
- USG Chancellor's Event : 10 - 11 A.M.
Tuesday, November 3
- Ethics Bingo - (Highlander Room, Student Center) : 11 A.M. to noon. Join us for popcorn, bingo, and prizes!
Wednesday, November 4
- Ethics Refresher Training : The Office of Human Resources will launch the annual training on ethics for all employees. The required online training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Employees who complete the training by 5 P.M. on Wednesday will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
Thursday, November 5
- Ethics Week Escape Room : 1 - 4 P.M. The Ethics Files: A Race Against Integrity, an interactive escape room experience, will take place in the SARC. Participants will work together to solve puzzles, examine case files, and navigate classroom/workplace scenarios involving accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making. Admission is an item for the Highlander House Food Pantry. Staff, Faculty, and Students are all welcome!
Friday, November 6
- USG Ethics & Compliance Best Practices Panel : 10 - 11 A.M.
(This is a zoom link that may require a passcode on some devices. If prompted, please use 313909.)
