Read the Curry College NEASC 2012 Self-Study Report.

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wide meetings were subsequently held to solicit input, resulting in the formation of a Task
Force on Diversity and Equality that continues to work on three areas: crisis response, building
an inclusive community, and building diversity. clxxi In addition, a policy of clear and timely
communication to the Curry community regarding incidents that might threaten campus safety
has been instituted. To support continued work in this area, the Strategic Planning process has
identified “An inclusive campus community that respects, supports and attracts diversity in all
its multiple forms” as one of four strategic directions for Curry, going forward.
Integrity has also been strengthened since the last self‐study through the institution of a Board
of Directors Conflict of Interest Statement and the inclusion of a Whistleblower policy in the
Employee Handbook. Progress has also been made on the issue of intellectual property, which
has been an ongoing concern of the faculty, primarily as a result of challenges introduced
through newer technologies. While the new Collective Bargaining Agreement will include a
policy on this issue, the adequacy of the newly‐developed policy has yet to be tested.
As the College has increased its research activity and profile (faculty, staff, and students) at the
undergraduate and graduate levels, there has been an increased need for Institutional Review
Board (IRB) review of research involving human subjects. A task force was convened in 2009 to
make recommendations for revitalizing and updating the IRB; recommendations went into
effect in 2010. clxxii The IRB has also provided educational outreach to assure that all members of
the College community are equipped to proceed in an ethical manner when conducting
research. This action typifies Curry’s commitment to embed ethical principles throughout the
educational experience and to be proactive in developing policies that encourage high ethical
standards.
With that said, dealing with student infractions of academic honesty is an issue with which the
College still struggles. Of particular concern to the faculty is the issue of subsequent offenses by
the same student. The current policy allows for the reporting of the offense to the Chief
Academic Officer, but does not require it; as a result, it is not always possible to know if a
student has a history of academic dishonesty. This issue is being considered by the
Undergraduate Academic Policy Committee, as they review the current Honesty Statement.
Beyond the academic enterprise, Athletics and Residential Life have continued to strengthen
their commitment to ethical action. Utilizing the Fans Code of Conduct at Athletic events, and
holding regular meetings between Resident Advisors (RAs) and students that include
discussions of integrity and civility in the Residence Halls send a clear message to students that
integrity and honesty are important in all aspects of College life.
Projection
The College’s commitment to act with integrity and to provide an environment where students
can learn to value integrity will remain central to the mission of the College. To that end,
College faculty and staff will:
• Review the College’s current statement and policy regarding Academic Honesty and
Curry College 2012 Self-Study
Standard Eleven