Introduction

To understand the extent to which institutional integrity is protected and promoted on campus, two conditions must be addressed; first, whether adequate safeguards exist in the form of policies, codes of conduct, and statements of ethical behavior; and second, whether institutional culture and climate support consistent adherence to and maintenance of these safeguards. To obtain information about the presence, nature, and extent of these two conditions, Standard Nine subcommittee members conducted interviews with key informants among members of administration, faculty, and staff, exploring with them the influence of institutional culture and climate on institutional integrity, and whether and how safeguards were being used. Given this is the first accreditation self-study in which Portland State has been asked to address institutional integrity, this summary of interview results and analysis of related data serve as an initial reference point from which future progress on integrity issues can be reviewed and evaluated.

According to the basic principles included in Standard Nine, the subcommittee focused its review and assessment on the following areas: academic freedom; conflict of interest; fair treatment of faculty, administration, staff, and students; promotional materials; codes of conduct and statements of ethical behavior. The subcommittee also considered whether the University adhered to Oregon Administrative Rules (OARS) in a manner consistent with their intent and with the University’s culture.

Based on its review and analysis, the subcommittee concludes that adequate safeguards are in place to protect and promote institutional integrity. Portland State should continue its commitment to sustaining the culture and climate needed to uphold adherence to these safeguards in the future. Specifically, challenges to integrity posed by the impact of the institution’s recent rapid growth on student-faculty ratios, attention to student concerns, fair treatment of tenure-related and adjunct faculty, and deferred maintenance need to be monitored and addressed. Additionally, Portland State must address challenges posed by close connections with organizations operating under separate governance (e.g., Portland State Foundation).

Accomplishments

• Adequate safeguards are in place to establish and preserve institutional integrity.

• The administration has made efforts to communicate information openly to the campus in the face of budgetary constraints.

• Enhanced use of technology has improved university communications internally and with the public.

• The creation of the Ombuds Office has helped to promoted ethical behavior on campus.

• Continual review of policies and procedures with participation from faculty, staff, and students helps to maintain a culture of integrity.

Challenges

• Improving efforts to gather and communicate information needed to prepare and enforce Portland State’s contracts and other policies and processes.

• Systematically educating administrators and faculty members of key policies and procedures and changes that occur.

• Addressing issues of understaffing and financing, particularly in the areas of customer service and legal counsel.

• Assessing the impact that the respective separations of Portland State and the Portland State Foundation and of Portland State and its Alumni Association have had on the integrity of donor communications, data, and communication.

• Ensuring that orientation sessions for adjunct faculty are held regularly.

• Decentralization of marketing and publication offices.

• Need for University-wide policies regarding marketing, public relations and web design and use.

A major challenge related to institutional integrity revolves around growth and resources. As one key informant observed, Portland State is “a small institution with a large enrollment. Models/policies, or lack thereof, that worked before the enrollment growth, stumble with the need for efficiency and consistency ...”