The Board shall promote a culture of integrity at the University through its own actions, its interaction with senior executives and external parties, and through the selection and review of the President.
Each Governor shall act in the highest ethical manner and with integrity in all professional dealings.
It is the responsibility of the Board of Governors to:
- Approve and monitor, through the Administration, compliance with the policies, bylaws and procedures that govern University operations.
- Approve and act as a guardian of the University’s values.
- Direct the Administration to ensure that the University operates at all times within applicable laws and regulations, and to the highest ethical and moral standards.
In keeping with the University’s commitment to the highest standards of ethics, integrity and responsible stewardship, the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Guidelines for the Board of Governors defines the standards of conduct expected of Governors, including with respect to conflicts of interest.
Upon being appointed or elected to the Board, and annually thereafter, each Governor must complete an Acknowledgement and Agreement in which the Governor acknowledges and agrees that he or she has received a copy of the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Guidelines for the Board of Governors, will conscientiously and in good faith observe the provisions of the Code, and that a breach of the Code may result in remedial action, up to and including a request for resignation or a recommendation for removal from the Board.
Governors must update Disclosure Statements at any time that a Governor becomes aware of new or additional relevant information, or as required by changed circumstances.
In addition to filing a Disclosure Statement, all Governors have an ongoing duty to disclose an actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest as soon as the issue arises and before the Board or its committees deal with the matter at issue.
The Board of Governors manages the property, revenue, business, and affairs of UBC as set forth in the University Act. Each Governor is subject to the duties and standard of care that are required under the University Act and at common law. The provisions of the Code are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any obligations imposed on a Governor by statutory or common law. Compliance with the Code does not relieve a Governor from any such obligation.
The Code applies to all Governors, whether elected or appointed.
Governors are also bound by provincial General Conduct Principles for Public Appointees.
