LAWRENCE — Seven students from the University of Kansas School of Business have received the inaugural 2007 Positive Code of Conduct Awards.
The students were recognized during last month’s Sutton Ethics Lecture, sponsored by the School of Business.
The awards acknowledge students for maintaining outstanding ethical behavior as defined by the school’s new Positive Code of Conduct, according to Douglas R. May, professor and co-director of the International Center for Ethics in Business. The seven virtues of the Positive Code of Conduct are represented by the acronym RESPECT (responsibility, enthusiasm, self-esteem, professional integrity, equity, compassion and teamwork).
The recipients were two graduating seniors: Sarah Kierl of Edmond, Okla., and Erinn Schaiberger of Mesa, Ariz.; four master’s degree students: Olivia Pfannenstiel of Wichita; Stefany Samp and Ric Rosenfield, both of Lawrence; and Travis Grosser of Alta Loma, Calif.; and doctoral student Zelin Zhang of Tianjin, China.
“One of the major purposes of these awards is to recognize students who will serve as role models to others in their professional careers,” May said. “Too often, universities only punish unethical behavior and don’t celebrate those students who demonstrate exemplary commitment to ethical principles. This was one of the driving forces behind the development of the school’s Positive Code of Conduct and the student awards.”
During the ceremony, May read a passage from each student’s nomination letters explaining how each illustrated the principles embodied by the Positive Code of Conduct.
Faculty, staff and fellow students nominated deserving students who demonstrated commitment to the RESPECT principles for the award. Student peers selected the recipients.
The Positive Code of Conduct was developed by students in a business ethics class taught by May. It was then revised by representatives from the Undergraduate Business Council, Graduate Business Council and Association of Business Doctoral Students.
To find out more about the Positive Code of Conduct, visit the International Center for Ethics in Business
Web site.
