Ethics Week Activities
The University System of Georgia (USG) is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct in pursuit of its mission to create knowledge. Accomplishing this mission demands integrity, good judgment and dedication to public service from all members of the USG community. Annually, the USG highlights this commitment through an Ethics Awareness Week which is scheduled this year for November 4-10, 2024. The purpose of this week is to remind employees of our commitment to an ethical culture and our shared ethical values and expectations. Ethics Awareness Week is part of a comprehensive Ethics and Compliance Program. This Program includes a system-level Ethics Policy and Code of Conduct, on-board ethics training, periodic ethics refresher training, compliance audits, special reviews and an Ethics and Compliance Reporting Hotline.
In support of this effort, Valdosta State University will be hosting activities to build upon our ethical culture by promoting activities related to our system-wide shared core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and respect. We will emphasize that, in addition to our ethical values, our Code of Conduct is the foundation of the USG’s priorities of degree attainment, affordability and efficiency. Activities during this week will bring awareness to ethics, reinforce the principles of recognizing the hard work of employees, and promote our shared values. Our theme for this week is the “SPIRIT of USG.” Activities planned will emphasize:1. Blazer Creed Award Nominations Due
Blazer Creed Award: Nominations begin 10/1/24 and end 11/4/24 by 5:30pm. Award winners will be announced on Friday 11/8/24. Awards Ceremony with light refreshments will be held 11/14/24 at 10am in the Sue Cox Executive Dining Room.
2. USG Chancellor's Event -10:00AM
LIVE STREAM: 
3. Scavenger Hunt - 1st Daily Riddle
On Campus
- Riddle: In the shadow of knowledge, I stand tall and grand, a creature of myth, bound by a god’s hand. Many mistake my form for a dragon's fierce might, what am I, a wolf forged of steel, a mythical sight?
- Hint: Sadly, I have a clear view to the East now.
Online
- Riddle: With wellness my mission, your path I ignite, ensuring that you remain healthy and bright. For students in need, I’m just a click away. What am I, where health meets peace every day?
- Hint: You probably had to click by here as a new student so you didn’t “throw away your shots” that were required.
Interactive activity for students, faculty and staff using QR codes linked to USG Ethics Policies. Each morning, Monday through Friday, riddles about locations on campus and on the VSU website will be announced via email and posted to the Ethics Website. The daily “Winner” will be announced via the Ethics Website and will receive a daily prize to be picked up at the Internal Audit Office. Each participant who finds at least one QR code and answers the question correctly will be entered into the drawing for two Grand Giveaways for the most Ethics Awareness Week participation points.
Eligible winners MUST:
- Scan the QR code linked to the USG Ethics Policies (at riddle location or via campus-wide email)
- Correctly answer the question generated by the QR code
- Email internalaudit@valdosta.edu with your solution, including either
- your answer to the online riddle with a screenshot of the location, OR
- your answer to the campus riddle with a picture of the location
- Internal Audit will validate the participant’s QR code for eligibility
4. Blazer Pantry and Closet Project
Please consider donating the following items for:
Pantry:
- Microwaveable food, Ramen Noodles, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Cups, Cereal, Chips, Snacks, Water, Juice
Closet:
- Professional attire and shoes
- Unopened dorm-friendly foods
- Unopened personal hygiene items
- School supplies
Email BPC@valdosta.edu for any questions or concerns
1. Scavenger Hunt - 2nd Daily Riddle
On Campus
- Riddle: When screens freeze and systems defy, I’m the one who’ll give it another try. From login woes to printing that fails, come ask me when your technology ails.
- Hint: I didn’t expect to learn this in the learning commons!
Online
- Riddle: I'm here when you're stuck or can't make things run, with mysteries to solve and glitches to shun. A call or a ticket, both swift and smart, with knowledge and support, I play a crucial part.
- Hint: If you don’t want to talk, you can request help through the hub.
Interactive activity for students, faculty and staff using QR codes linked to USG Ethics Policies. Each morning, Monday through Friday, riddles about locations on campus and on the VSU website will be announced via email and posted to the Ethics Website. The daily “Winner” will be announced via the Ethics Website and will receive a daily prize to be picked up at the Internal Audit Office. Each participant who finds at least one QR code and answers the question correctly will be entered into the drawing for two Grand Giveaways for the most Ethics Awareness Week participation points.
Eligible winners MUST:
- Scan the QR code linked to the USG Ethics Policies (at riddle location or via campus-wide email)
- Correctly answer the question generated by the QR code
- Email internalaudit@valdosta.edu with your solution, including either
- your answer to the online riddle with a screenshot of the location, OR
- your answer to the campus riddle with a picture of the location
- Internal Audit will validate the participant’s QR code for eligibility
2. Blazer Pantry and Closet Project
Please consider donating the following items for:
Pantry
- Microwaveable food, Ramen Noodles, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Cups, Cereal, Chips, Snacks, Water, Juice
Closet
- Professional attire and shoes
- Unopened dorm-friendly foods
- Unopened personal hygiene items
- School supplies
Email BPC@valdosta.edu for any questions or concerns
1. Honorable James G. Tunison, Attorney- HSBA Auditorium 5:00PM- 6:00PM
Title: Ethics and the Law: An Unfinished Story-He will discuss ethics and law in practical decision making, specifically using examples in his law career to illustrate the synergies of ethics and law when faced with difficult decisions.
2. Scavenger Hunt - 3rd Daily Riddle
On Campus
- Riddle: In a trio of forms, I stand proud and bold, crafted from steel, my story is told.
In the shadow of art, where creativity flows, what am I, where potential beautifully grows? - Hint: At times, you can admire them as you listen to the music.
Online
- Riddle: A blueprint of behavior, both clear and concise, I lay out the standards; abide or think twice. For students and groups, I shape what’s to be, what am I, the guide for integrity?
- Hint: My contents are based on integrity, civility, and citizenship.
Interactive activity for students, faculty and staff using QR codes linked to USG Ethics Policies. Each morning, Monday through Friday, riddles about locations on campus and on the VSU website will be announced via email and posted to the Ethics Website. The daily “Winner” will be announced via the Ethics Website and will receive a daily prize to be picked up at the Internal Audit Office. Each participant who finds at least one QR code and answers the question correctly will be entered into the drawing for two Grand Giveaways for the most Ethics Awareness Week participation points.
Eligible winners MUST:
- Scan the QR code linked to the USG Ethics Policies (at riddle location or via campus-wide email)
- Correctly answer the question generated by the QR code
- Email internalaudit@valdosta.edu with your solution, including either
- your answer to the online riddle with a screenshot of the location, OR
- your answer to the campus riddle with a picture of the location
- Internal Audit will validate the participant’s QR code for eligibility
3. Blazer Pantry and Closet Project
Please consider donating the following items for:
Pantry
- Microwaveable food, Ramen Noodles, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Cups, Cereal, Chips, Snacks, Water, Juice
Closet
- Professional attire and shoes
- Unopened dorm-friendly foods
- Unopened personal hygiene items
- School supplies
Email BPC@valdosta.edu for any questions or concerns
1. Understanding Conflicts of Interest in Higher Education :
The purpose of this training is to raise awareness among faculty, staff, and students about conflicts of interest, how to recognize them, and how to manage or avoid them in a college environment. The goal is to promote transparency, fairness, and integrity within academic and administrative activities, ensuring that personal, financial, or professional interests do not interfere with the college's mission. We will also share the process for faculty and staff to submit outside employment/activities per the USG Conflict of Interest, Conflicts of Commitment, and Outside Activities policy.
Wendy Byrd, Deputy Chief HR Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Justin Arrington
Register at
2. Scavenger Hunt - 4th Daily Riddle
On Campus
- Riddle: Travel through five and keep to the right side, a keeper of records, where secrets reside.
For courses and credits, I’m the guiding star. Who am I, the keeper of all, known near and far? - Hint: From enrollment to transcripts, your path is held here.
Online
- Riddle: I wave in the digital breeze, a sign of your place, in realm of registration, I help you keep pace. With colors and codes, I guide you along. What am I, where upcoming plans belong?
- Hint: Follow the button to use this as early as possible to maximize your options.
Interactive activity for students, faculty and staff using QR codes linked to USG Ethics Policies. Each morning, Monday through Friday, riddles about locations on campus and on the VSU website will be announced via email and posted to the Ethics Website. The daily “Winner” will be announced via the Ethics Website and will receive a daily prize to be picked up at the Internal Audit Office. Each participant who finds at least one QR code and answers the question correctly will be entered into the drawing for two Grand Giveaways for the most Ethics Awareness Week participation points.
Eligible winners MUST:
- Scan the QR code linked to the USG Ethics Policies (at riddle location or via campus-wide email)
- Correctly answer the question generated by the QR code
- Email internalaudit@valdosta.edu with your solution, including either
- your answer to the online riddle with a screenshot of the location, OR
- your answer to the campus riddle with a picture of the location
- Internal Audit will validate the participant’s QR code for eligibility
2. Blazer Pantry and Closet Project
Please consider donating the following items for:
Pantry
- Microwaveable food, Ramen Noodles, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Cups, Cereal, Chips, Snacks, Water, Juice
Closet
- Professional attire and shoes
- Unopened dorm-friendly foods
- Unopened personal hygiene items
- School supplies
Email BPC@valdosta.edu for any questions or concerns
1. Scavenger Hunt - 5th Daily Riddle
On Campus
- Riddle: Where safety is key and help’s just a call, I watch over campus, protecting us all.
In uniforms bold, we’re ready to serve. What am I, where peace and order preserve? - Hint: I am nestled between the mechanical and technological.
Online
- Riddle: In your pocket, I dwell, a guardian true. With a tap, I connect to the help that you view.
From safety alerts to tracking your way, what am I, your guide through night and day? - Hint: “There’s an app for that!”
Interactive activity for students, faculty and staff using QR codes linked to USG Ethics Policies. Each morning, Monday through Friday, riddles about locations on campus and on the VSU website will be announced via email and posted to the Ethics Website. The daily “Winner” will be announced via the Ethics Website and will receive a daily prize to be picked up at the Internal Audit Office. Each participant who finds at least one QR code and answers the question correctly will be entered into the drawing for two Grand Giveaways for the most Ethics Awareness Week participation points.
Eligible winners MUST:
- Scan the QR code linked to the USG Ethics Policies (at riddle location or via campus-wide email)
- Correctly answer the question generated by the QR code
- Email internalaudit@valdosta.edu with your solution, including either
- your answer to the online riddle with a screenshot of the location, OR
- your answer to the campus riddle with a picture of the location
- Internal Audit will validate the participant’s QR code for eligibility
2. Green Zone Training
3. USG EAW Best Practices Panel: "Integrity Intelligence" in Times of Change
- Link to
- Direct link :
4. Blazer Pantry and Closet Project
Please consider donating the following items for:
Pantry
- Microwaveable food, Ramen Noodles, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Cups, Cereal, Chips, Snacks, Water, Juice
Closet
- Professional attire and shoes
- Unopened dorm-friendly foods
- Unopened personal hygiene items
- School supplies
Email BPC@valdosta.edu for any questions or concerns
Office of Internal Audit
- West Hall Office 1301A 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, Georgia 31698
-
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - Phone
- Phone: 229.245.2491