Code of Conduct - Values into practice
The Aalto University Code of Conduct contains the ‘fair play rules’ of our university community. The code helps us make ethically sound choices and gives practical examples of actions that are in line with our values.
First introduced in 2017, the Code of Conduct was updated in 2021 to correspond to our reformulated values and the changes that have reshaped our operating environment.
President Ilkka NiemeläOur ethical principles will only be of use if we genuinely adhere to them in our daily life and actions.
Why do we have the Code of Conduct?
- We believe that it is the people who make Aalto. The diversity of talent and perspectives is one of our greatest assets.
- At the same time, we need a shared culture, principles and policies.
- The Code helps us all make ethically and legally right choices - so we can be proud of what we achieve as well as of how we do it.
Code of conduct and Aalto community
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The five pillars of the Code of Conduct
On these pages, you can also find useful tips and links to further information
I Our responsibility for people
We want every community member to feel welcome and safe.
II Our responsibility for sustainability
We are committed to advancing sustainability through research, education, campus development and daily practices. We strive to engage also our partners.
III Our responsibility to act ethically / part 1
Our teachers have the freedom to teach, researchers have the freedom to research and students have the freedom to learn.
III Our responsibility to act ethically / part 2
We are committed to performing all our activities with integrity and promoting fair and honest practices.
IV Our responsibility for assets
Aalto University accepts donations that help fulfil our community’s purpose. Our fundraising principles are based on respect for the dignity of the donor’s will, ethics and integrity.
V Our responsibility for information and data
We advance responsible and innovative data usage practices and culture in order to build data driven operations and to maximise the value of data in all activities of Aalto University. We value the transparency and openness of data.
How we bring the Code of Conduct to life
At Aalto University we value dialogue. Even though the right choices are not always immediately evident, we hope all community members will help develop our organisation by engaging in constructive discussion on difficult issues.
- What matters is not only what we say, but what we do and how. Small actions from each of us makes a difference and impact as a whole.
- Everyone should get to know the Code of Conduct and its five pillars, so it’s easy to uphold.
- Some members of the community have the extra responsibility of introducing the Code to others. Leaders and managers, professors, teaching staff and supervisors lead by example through everyday ethical decision-making and by making the Code the topic of day-to-day conversation.
The Code of Conduct touches all of us at Aalto University. That means everyone, from students to employees and board members, as well as people who work for Aalto-owned companies, need to abide by the Code.
Social responsibility is important to us and we seek out like-minded partners. Our suppliers and other partners should comply with laws and conduct their operations according to principles that are similar to our Code.
Aalto University Code of Conduct for partners
Social responsibility is important to us and we seek out like-minded partners.
Instructions and trainings
What to do when something is not right
We want Aalto to be a place where everyone can speak up when something seems off.
Code of Conduct trainings for the Aalto community
Aalto University provides training for employees on Code of Conduct and values, on equality, diversity and inclusion as well as on cyber security and data protection.
Read more
Equality, diversity and inclusion at Aalto
We are committed to foster an empowered community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and thrive by working together
Sustainability
Aalto University's purpose is to shape a sustainable future. At Aalto, we create solutions that enable well-being within the planetary boundaries.
Aalto Handbook
Here you will find information regarding Aalto University’s organisation, various operators, management processes, operational principles and the guiding rules and policies of our operations.
