Code of Conduct and Ethics

North Carolina State University is a state-supported institution and, as such, is held to high standards of conduct in its service and business activities and functions. The university is also held to close scrutiny by the public and is expected to be responsive to all questions regarding the use of state funds.

The Finance Division adheres to NC State’s core values by conducting business with integrity “in all we do, reflected in our commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior and our dedication to transparency and accountability in governance.”

Roles and Responsibilities

External Entities

The following entities exercise oversight responsibilities and/or establish rules and regulations concerning the operations of the university:

• University of North Carolina – System Office (UNC-SO)
• Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM)
• Division of Purchase & Contract, NC Department of Administration (P&C)
• Office of State Human Resources (OSHR)
• Office of the State Controller (OSC)
• Office of State Auditor (OSA) 

Finance Division

The Finance Division is expected to:

• Ensure all business activities abide by state and federal laws and are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.
• Complete the annual financial statements and tax returns in a timely manner, fairly stated in all material respects and in accordance with the established reporting standards. 
• Make decisions and provide responses to questions with due care, competence, diligence and without misrepresentation of the facts. 
• Ensure division employees act with honesty and integrity and avoid relationships that are or would appear to be a conflict of interest. 
• Ensure division employees interact with external suppliers, customers, fellow employees and others in a businesslike manner, using ethical behavior, proper communication, a professional attitude and due respect. 
• Ensure division employees are responsive to the need for the security of information and university assets. 
• Ensure division employees are responsible for the assets and resources entrusted to them. 
• Ensure division employees are responsive in communicating to their supervisor or the university treasurer any observations of questionable behavior or potential policy abuse or illegal acts.

University Finance and Campus Partners

University Finance and Campus Partners are expected to:

• Establish internal controls and safeguards to ensure compliance with rules and regulations established by oversight agencies.
• Report illegal acts to Campus Police. Report potential fraud, waste and abuse of university resources. 
• Address any control weaknesses, which are highlighted by self-evaluations and by internal or external audits. 
• Ensure provisions of the State Executive Budget Act are followed. 
• Conduct timely and accurate reporting to internal and external partners.
• Promptly provide requests from the OSA for information and assistance. 
• Ensure journal entries for financial reporting are supported with appropriate supporting documentation.

Guidelines and Reference