RCA PROGRAM IN ETHICS

 

2007-08 Theme: Governmental and Political Ethics

 

Lectures

Thursday, February 14th, 2008
10:30-Noon, Hinde Auditorium, University Union
Mr. Andrew G. Pasztor, Senior Special Writer, The Wall Street Journal
"Imposing Ethics in Government Contracting."
Focusing on high-profile criminal probes and prosecutions of some of America’s most renowned companies -- including aerospace giant Boeing Co.-- Mr. Pasztor will offer insights based on his wide-ranging work as an investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal.  He will explore actual examples of multi-billion dollar contracts tainted by flagrant violations and scandals, as well as shortcomings in responses by corporate executives and government watchdogs. Participants also will be challenged to consider the question:  Is legal always ethical?

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007
Noon-1:15pm, Delta Suite, University Union
Steven Epstein, Ethics and Compliance Leader (Government Contracts), PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Lecture on Ethics in Public Information
Come join GOVT158 and PHIL190M, for a guest lecture on the ethics of public information.

Monday, October 29, 2007
10:00-Noon, Hinde Auditorium, University Union
Steven Epstein, Ethics and Compliance Leader (Government Contracts), PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Title: Taxonomy of Ethical Failure: Some Observations on Why People Make the Wrong Choices
Abstract: Cases of ethical failure seemingly headline the media almost daily; politicians accepting bribes, businessmen giving bribes, and public officials having conflicts of interest. (Not to mention the sexual misadventures.)  Who are these people, and why do they make the wrong choices?  In most cases the individuals are intelligent, savvy, and have much to lose.  

Drawing on his 14 years as an ethics and compliance advisor in the military, Federal Government, and private enterprise, Stephen Epstein will offer his insights and observations about ethical failure.  This experience has led Mr. Epstein to formulate a uniquely pragmatic and concise taxonomy of wrong-doing which illuminates some of the salient factors and offers a guide toward reducing or minimizing ethical failure in government

Monday, October 29
3:00-4:15pm, Delta Suite, University Union
Mr. Steven Epstein, Ethics and Compliance Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Title: Landmines in Academia:  Compliance Issues for Grantees
Abstract: A faculty and staff seminar for discussion of some of the more common compliance requirements of research grants, highlighting current problem areas such as conflicts of interest, financial disclosure, and export controls.  

This event is co-sponsored with the Office of Research Administration and Contracts Administration.

Thursday, October 18, 2007
9:00-10:30am, Hinde Auditorium, University Union
Col. (Ret.) Ann Wright, US Foreign Service (resigned), Former Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Mongolia
Title: The Ethical Challenges in Diplomatic and Military Service
Abstract: Ann Wright, a 29 year US Army veteran who retired as a Colonel and a 16 year US diplomat will speak on the role ethics in diplomat and military decision making and the responsibilities of ethical behaviour for commanding officers and ambassadors. Ms. Wright was one of three US diplomats who resigned in March, 2003 in opposition to the war on Iraq. She is the co-author of "Dissent: Voices of Conscience" which will be published in
October, 2007.

2007 Student Ethics Essay Competition