As Chancellor Perdue likes to say, every week is Ethics Week! Indeed, Georgia Tech cannot continue its remarkable trajectory of growth — in enrollment, research, innovation, and impact — without a strong culture of ethical conduct. That’s why it is important that we keep reminding each other that we need to earn and nurture the public trust every day — and that’s why, every year, we use an entire week to double down on the message!

Held each year across all our public universities, Ethics Week is an annual reminder of our duty to abide by the highest standards of ethical conduct and to adhere to our shared values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect. 

The theme of this year’s edition is “Ethics in Action.” Over the next five days (Nov. 3 – 7), we’ll be sponsoring events and activities that explore practical strategies, insights, and guidance for navigating tricky situations, making high-stakes decisions, handling confrontation, and more. Ethical conduct is the product of constant practice and commitment. It isn’t something that can just be believed. Instead, it must be woven into our daily jobs and reinforced through continuous conversation, role modeling, and questioning of one another.

From students and their families to taxpayers, donors, and research sponsors, the people of our state and nation have entrusted Georgia Tech with the resources to carry out our mission of developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. All of this support — whether public or private — proceeds from the public trust, which is itself a product of our track record and our reputation. With just a single lapse of judgment, we risk jeopardizing the invaluable service we provide and undermining the trust we’ve been building for decades.

“We act ethically” is one of the Institute’s core values, and it should inform and guide everything we do. Whether we’re students, faculty, staff, or affiliates, we’re committed to doing the right thing through our every decision — especially when no one is watching. 

This is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. It means working through the proper procedures, thinking critically about any risks related to your work, making sure your teams know that you take these matters seriously, speaking up if something isn’t right, and asking for help when uncertainty arises.

This week’s programming will feature a combination of lectures, panel discussions, volunteer opportunities, outreach events, and giveaways. Learn more and view the full schedule for Ethics Week 2025 here. 

I hope to see you around campus this week, and I thank you for everything you do to promote an ethical culture at Georgia Tech.