Statement of Expectations

Purpose of the Statement of Expectations for Professional Conduct of Members

SRAI has created a Statement that outlines the Society’s expectations of its members and volunteers.

The purpose of SRAI’s Statement of Expectations for Professional Conduct of Members is to ensure that every SRAI member and volunteer conducts themselves appropriately thus enabling a positive and rewarding experience with the Society for all members, and that the Society functions effectively.

An SRAI “Member” is defined as an individual who is active, or has an interest, in the profession of research administration at any level and within any sector of the research community, has completed the membership application process, and is currently listed in one of the membership categories as defined in the SRA International Bylaws.

An SRAI “Volunteer” is defined as a Member who, without compensation or expectation of compensation, performs a task at the direction and on behalf of SRAI. Volunteers are not considered as "staff" of SRAI nor should they represent themselves as such.

All SRAI Members and Volunteers shall be subject to the requirements of this Statement. Individuals who fail to adhere to the expectations outlined below shall be subject to appropriate corrective action by the Society.

General Expectations

Regardless of their role or seniority within the Society, members and volunteers are expected to:

• Abide by the Society’s Code of Ethics.
• Treat fellow SRAI members, volunteers, and staff with respect, courtesy, and support.
• Behave in a professional manner at all SRAI sponsored activities and venues avoiding the use of language and participating in acts reasonably offensive to others.
• Understand and follow all SRAI’s policies and procedures and respect the process by which decisions are made within the Society. To the extent that a member or volunteer dissents from a policy or procedure, he or she shall voice such dissent in accordance with the Society’s procedures for proposing modifications in the policies and procedures of the Society. Additionally, the member or volunteer is expected to refrain from ad hominem attacks, or other tactics of dissent that do not demonstrate the decorum expected within a professional society.
• Comply with SRAI’s policy of not discriminating based on race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability.

In addition, SRAI volunteers are also expected to:

• Make a good faith effort to complete assigned tasks and carry out their SRAI responsibilities in a professional and timely manner.
• Provide all reports that the SRAI Board or staff may reasonably request to determine the status of the volunteer’s progress relative to assignments and responsibilities.
• Be prepared to participate in and contribute to all required SRAI meetings related to their assignments and responsibilities
• Participate in volunteer training or orientation sessions provided by SRAI.

Representing SRAI

Volunteers shall be authorized to act as representatives of SRAI only to the extent specified in their position descriptions (if applicable). No volunteer shall be authorized to contact organizations or individuals or to take any action that may significantly affect or obligate SRAI without written permission of the SRAI Board of Directors. Such actions include, but are not limited to, statements to the press or other organizations, partnerships with other organizations or individuals, or any agreements involving contracts, resources, finances, or other obligations.

Confidentiality

Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer. Such information includes but is not limited to information not generally available for member or public dissemination regarding another volunteer, SRAI member, SRAI staff, or third party; SRAI projects or programs not generally available for member or public dissemination; pending agreements with other organizations. Volunteers may be required to sign a full-form non-disclosure agreement in relation to involvement in certain activities.

Agreement to Adhere to the Statement of Expectations for Professional Conduct of Members

This Statement applies to all Members and Volunteers.  In becoming a member of SRAI and in renewing their membership, each Member agrees to abide by this Statement.  In doing so, each Member understands that failure to observe the above Statement may result in dismissal from any elected or appointed position and possible termination of their membership in SRAI by its Board of Directors.