NASPAA Code of Ethics and Conduct

NASPAA advances excellence in public service education and training, fosters ethical leadership, and promotes the ideals of public service globally. This Code of Ethics and Conduct (CoEC) defines standards of integrity, equity, and responsibility for NASPAA leadership, member representatives (including faculty, staff, and administrators), volunteers, and employees in their conduct related to NASPAA business and activities, including conferences, webinars, and other sanctioned events. The CoEC affirms our collective commitment to preparing ethical public servants who advance the public good and sustain trust in the profession.

Core Principles

These principles guide the conduct of NASPAA members, leadership, volunteers, and staff.

1. Commitment to Public Service

Prioritize the public good, advancing the ideals of public service through education, research, community engagement, and inclusive participation.

2. Academic Integrity and Excellence

Uphold rigorous standards in teaching, research, and program administration, ensuring intellectual freedom, transparency in evidence-based claims, and ethical inquiry.

3. Responsibility and Accountability

Adhere to legal, institutional, and professional standards, exercising sound judgment, and accepting responsibility for actions.

4. Equality and Respect

Promote fairness, diversity, and respect for all individuals, ensuring equitable opportunities and preventing discrimination, harassment, or abuse of power in any form.

5. Integrity and Professionalism

Act with honesty, transparency, and professionalism in all NASPAA-related activities, refraining from actions that discredit NASPAA, its members, or the field of public administration.

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1. Purpose & Scope

This procedure ensures a fair, timely, and professional process for handling alleged violations of the NASPAA CoEC.

1.1. Jurisdiction: This policy applies strictly to conduct directly related to NASPAA business, events, and activities.

1.2. Exclusions: NASPAA will not investigate matters with existing institutional remedies (e.g., academic plagiarism, Title IX, or university personnel disputes), or complaints already reviewed by NASPAA or other entities.

2. Submission & Requirements

2.1. Filing: Written complaints must be submitted to the NASPAA Executive Director. If the complaint is against the Executive Director, it may be submitted to the Executive Committee.

2.2. Timeframe: Conduct must have occurred within one year prior to submission.

2.3. Anonymity: Anonymous complaints will not be accepted. Submissions must identify the complainant and provide specific factual details.

2.4. Acknowledgment: A mandatory checkbox on event and membership registrations requires individuals to acknowledge both the CoEC and this enforcement process.

3. Review & Discretionary Investigation

3.1. Initial Review & Conflicts

The Executive Director will route all legitimate complaints to the Executive Committee. If a conflict of interest involves any member of the Executive Committee, the Executive Committee will appoint an alternate member of the Council to assist in the review.

3.2. Preliminary Evaluation

The Executive Committee holds broad discretion to determine if a complaint warrants investigation. They will promptly evaluate whether the issue is significant, realistic to address, and directly relevant to NASPAA. Dismissed complaints will be closed, and the complainant will be notified.

3.3: Investigation

If an investigation is warranted, the President will appoint a three-member ad hoc committee.

3.4 Expert Oversight: NASPAA may retain an external expert to supervise the investigation as needed.

3.5 Flexibility: The committee may gather initial info before formally notifying the subject of the complaint.

3.6. External Findings: NASPAA may review findings from external investigations (e.g., university Title IX) to inform its investigation.

4. Timeliness of Processing

NASPAA resolves complaints without undue delay. Initial evaluations and subsequent inquiries will be conducted as promptly and expeditiously as possible. Rigid deadlines are avoided to preserve thoroughness and accommodate expert or external reviews; however, complainants will be informed of processing times and any revised schedules.

5. Confidentiality & Interim Safety Measures

5.1. Confidentiality: Every effort will be made to maintain the identity of the complainant confidential, though it cannot be guaranteed, especially when the identity of the complainant is a material fact in conducting an investigation.

5.2 Removal Pending Investigation: If safety concerns are raised regarding an accused individual at a NASPAA event, NASPAA may immediately remove them pending final adjudication.

6. Sanctions & Enforcement

Upon reviewing the investigation, the Executive Council will vote on the appropriate disciplinary action. NASPAA enforces its code by strictly controlling access to its own spaces, governance, and recognition. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

Space & Event Restrictions: Controlling, restricting, or denying access to NASPAA spaces, conferences, webinars, and events.
Suspension and Banning: Issuing either a temporary suspension or a permanent ban from participating in any NASPAA activities.
Governance & Awards Restrictions: Restricting or revoking eligibility to serve on the NASPAA Executive Council, participate in committees, fill volunteer leadership roles, or receive NASPAA awards.
Formal Censure: Issuing a formal warning or written censure.

NASPAA Code of Ethics and Conduct