AEG Member Code of Conduct

Purpose: To provide a set of fundamental ethical standards for members of AEG (Members) and to set expectations for Member conduct.

Preface: Environmental & engineering (Applied) geology is a profession that requires scientific knowledge, experience and good judgment to practice and that serves the public as well as private concerns. Applied geologists have a professional responsibility to conduct themselves in a fair and honest manner with a commitment to high ethical standards and the quality of their work. This responsibility extends to the health, safety and welfare of the public at large, to clients and employers, to colleagues, and to their profession. As representatives of our profession and our organization, Members are expected to uphold the ethical standards presented in this code. Failure to abide could result in a letter of reprimand, formal request to correct the violation, fines, suspension from Association activities, suspension of Association responsibilities, or expulsion from the Association. By signing below, members pledge to abide by the following code and standards within.

1. Responsibility to Public Health, Safety and Welfare: Members are committed to hold paramount the public health, safety and welfare by applying their knowledge to their specialized area of geologic practice. Members shall:

1.1 Uphold the trust held in them by the public.

1.2 Disclose, when making any public statement, whether the statement is based mainly on fact or is an opinion.

1.3 Practice their profession in a legal and ethical manner, with due regard to public health, safety and welfare.

2. Responsibility to Clients and Employers: Members have a responsibility to practice as faithful agents for clients and employers with loyalty that is consistent with legal obligations and ethical practice. Members also have a responsibility to serve with honesty and integrity, and place priority on quality of service. Members shall:

2.1 Maintain undivided loyalty with the client or employer, so far as is consistent with their obligations to the public.

2.2 Uphold the trust placed in them by the client or employer to practice with professional and fiscal responsibility.

2.3 Respect the confidential nature of the relationship that exists between Members and their clients or employers.

2.4 Promptly disclose to a prospective client or employer any existing or potential conflict of interest.

2.5 Avoid misrepresentations of their professional credentials and avoid false or misleading claims of their capabilities.

2.6 Perform services only in areas of their area of professional competence.

2.7 Undertake only those assignments for which they are qualified through education, training, or experience.

2.8 Alert a client or employer when another professional’s expertise will be required for an assignment.

2.9 Express only those professional opinions that have a sound basis in fact or experience. Bring to the attention of a client or employer such potential consequences of their work that may have significant impact on the public health, safety and welfare or operational success of the subject project.

3. Responsibility to Colleagues: Members have a responsibility to interact with honesty and integrity toward all colleagues. Members shall:

3.1 Show professional respect and courtesy toward colleagues.

3.2 Treat all members fairly with dignity and respect and encourage equitable participation without regard to gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, race, religion, age, political affiliation, economic status, or disability, in accordance with all Policy VI and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

3.3 Avoid plagiarism and properly give credit to others by citing proper references sources for their work.

3.4 Be willing to share professional knowledge with others.

3.5 Disclose the reason they are seeking information from a colleague if the purpose is to consider a lawsuit or claim based upon the information they may receive.

4. Responsibility to the Profession: Members, as the beneficiaries of accumulated scientific knowledge and experience, have a responsibility to advance the profession of applied geology. Members shall:

4.1 Set a professional example for all colleagues.

4.2 Continue to upgrade their technical capabilities through education and participation in professional activities.

4.3 Encourage academic and professional development within the field of applied geology.

4.4 Encourage qualified persons to enter the field of applied geology.

4.5 Nothing in this code prohibits commercial advertising, price competition, or solicitation in the sale of applied geology services. Such advertising, price competition, or solicitation is not unethical, unprofessional, or contrary to any policy of AEG.

5. Responsibility to the Association: Members have the responsibility to uphold and adhere to the standards and Policies of the Association. Members who are acting as agents of AEG shall, to the extent applicable:

5.1 Faithfully abide by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Policies when conducting AEG business.

5.2 Exercise reasonable care, good faith and due diligence in organizational affairs.

5.3 Remain accountable for prudent fiscal management of all Association funds.

5.4 Maintain a professional level courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all Association activities, as per Policy VI.

5.5 Strive to assist other Members in upholding the highest standards of conduct.

5.6 Ensure the right of all Members to membership services without discrimination on the basis of geography, political, religious, or socio-economical characteristics of the individual, state, or region represented.

5.7 Respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by the Board, local or Association Officers, committee volunteers, and membership at-large.

5.8 Promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among Members.

6. Responsibility of Association Volunteers: Association volunteers may be the recipients of sensitive or confidential information. AEG volunteers shall:

6.1 Disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information of fact that would have significance in Board decision making.

6.2 Exercise the powers invested as Chapter Officers, Regional Directors, and Executive Council members, as applicable, for the good of all Members of the organization rather than for his or her personal benefit.

6.3 Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information known due to Chapter, Region, Board, or other volunteer service.