UNITA is proud to launch its Code of Ethics and Conduct, a thorough framework designed to define and encourage ethical behavior throughout the alliance’s activities. Crafted in partnership with experts, member universities, and dedicated task teams, this Code represents a significant step forward in reinforcing the core values that unite the UNITA community: integrity, commitment, professionalism, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.
This Code is more than just a symbolic gesture; it serves as a practical guide for the everyday decisions and actions of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel involved in UNITA’s collaborative projects. It lays out clear expectations for respectful communication, responsible resource management, inclusive practices, and environmentally friendly choices. For example, it advocates for transparency in decision-making, fairness in workload distribution, and support for underrepresented groups. Additionally, it encourages low-impact mobility, aligning with the alliance’s environmental goals.
Laura Corazza, expert in Sustainability accounting and one of the Code’s co-authors, shares: “This document reflects who we are as an alliance and serves as a guide for our future direction. It empowers us to act ethically, consistently, and collectively, even amidst diverse institutional cultures.”
Maurizio De Tullio, Executive Coordinator of the UNITA alliance and one of the Code’s co-authors, shares : “The Code is the product of a collective intelligence effort of all the partners, who with their insights and feedbacks collected through several iterations, contributed to elevate the quality of the document“
To ensure that the Code is not just a document but a living practice, UNITA will set up a dedicated Ethical Committee. This committee is made up of a diverse group of representatives, including a student, faculty, staff, and ethics and quality assurance experts. They play a crucial advisory role, provide training sessions, monitor ethical compliance, and address any concerns or complaints. A secure whistleblowing platform will also be implemented, guaranteeing complete confidentiality and protection for anyone who reports misconduct.
For the UNITA community, the launch of this Code signifies a collective commitment to fostering a safe, fair, and inclusive academic environment one that embodies our values not just in theory, but in action. By weaving ethics into its core, UNITA strengthens its vision of a European university alliance grounded in trust, accountability, and mutual respect.
Read the Code in the UNITA website.
