Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE)
Code of Conduct
Notice of Revision, March 18, 2025: Pi Sigma Epsilon is proud to present the newly revised Code of Conduct, which supersedes all previous versions and is effective immediately. This code has been carefully crafted to reflect our core values and expectations for all members, affiliates, and stakeholders of the fraternity, including staff, alumni, volunteers, faculty, corporate members, and student members. It is now considered the official standard of behavior within our fraternity.
As members of this organization, it is expected that you adhere to these principles and practices with integrity, respect, and professionalism. The guidelines outlined herein serve as the foundation for our collective success, ensuring that we uphold the reputation of our fraternity and maintain a positive, thriving community. Every individual within the organization is encouraged to embrace these standards, for it is through our collective commitment to them that we will continue to grow and achieve excellence.
Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) – This Code of Conduct is intended to seamlessly integrate the Fraternity’s mission, vision, principles, and creed:
Introduction
As members of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE), we are dedicated to developing the sales and marketing skills of our members through lifelong opportunities. This commitment shapes not only our professional development but also the integrity, respect, and excellence we bring to every interaction within our organization. Our Code of Conduct embodies these values, guiding our conduct, relationships, and service to the broader community.
Through our shared mission, vision, and principles, we hope that every member contributes to an environment of professionalism, ethical behavior, and personal growth. We uphold the values of PSE to foster a community built on education, career readiness, and lifelong connections.
Mission
Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) develops the sales and marketing skills of its members through lifelong opportunities, enabling them to thrive in the professional world.
Vision Statement
PSE exists to serve the emerging workforce by addressing career readiness and advancement through community, education, and competitions.
Core Values
The following values guide the actions of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) members:
- Integrity: We are committed to honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all our actions and decisions. Members should act with integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
- Respect: We honor the dignity and rights of every individual. Members should demonstrate respect for all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or status. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of hate speech will not be tolerated.
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in education, competitions, research, and professional practice. Members should pursue continuous improvement and uphold high standards in all their endeavors.
- Responsibility: We take responsibility for our actions and their impact on others. Members should be accountable for their conduct, decisions, and contributions to the community.
Principles
The guiding principles of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) serve as the foundation for our Code of Conduct:
- Competition: We embrace healthy competition that challenges us to improve and refine our skills, while encouraging collaboration and mutual support.
- Sincerity: We engage with sincerity, being truthful in our interactions and committed to building genuine relationships.
- Belief: We hold firm belief in the power of education and community to elevate our personal and professional lives.
- Character: We act with honor, integrity, and respect, and we strive to build and maintain strong, ethical character in all our endeavors.
- Ethics: We adhere to ethical principles in all aspects of our professional and personal lives, always acting in ways that are morally right and just.
- Confidence: We approach challenges with confidence, knowing that our skills and abilities are strengthened through experience and perseverance.
- Faith: We remain committed to the principles of Pi Sigma Epsilon with faith in our mission, our community, and our future.
- Knowledge: We value knowledge as a critical tool for professional development and success, and we are committed to lifelong learning.
- Work: We recognize that success is built on hard work, and we approach every task with determination, dedication, and effort.
- Skill: We continually seek to improve our skills and apply them in meaningful ways to serve others and contribute to our organization’s success.
- Wisdom: We seek wisdom in our decision-making, reflecting on our experiences and learning from them to make informed, thoughtful choices.
- Honor: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct, recognizing that honor is the cornerstone of our reputation, both as individuals and as members of Pi Sigma Epsilon.Circle of Friendship
The Circle of Friendship symbolizes the lasting bonds of friendship and fellowship within Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE). This circle reflects our collective commitment to one another, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment where members grow personally, professionally, and ethically.
Creed
We, the members of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE), affirm our dedication to the values and principles of our fraternity, guided by the following creed:
- “I believe in the honor, value, and productivity of the marketing and selling profession.” • “I will be honorable, sincere, and loyal in all relations with my fraternity, my college, my business, and the people I serve.”
- “I fully realize that my rewards, whatever they may be, evolve from my service to others under the guidance and help of God.”
- “I say these words with sincerity: That I will endeavor to live by the principles of Pi Sigma Epsilon; That I value and revere the honor of our fellowship; That I will endeavor to so build myself and so conduct myself that I will bring honor to my fraternity and to my profession.”
Conduct Standards
- Academic Integrity and Professional Excellence
- Academic Integrity: Members are expected to maintain a high standard of academic performance and integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, academic dishonesty, and any other form of academic misconduct are strictly prohibited. Members should uphold academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism, cheating, and misrepresentation of work.
- Professionalism: Members should conduct themselves with professionalism in all settings, including maintaining confidentiality, punctuality, and respectful communication. Professional behavior reflects on our collective reputation.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborative efforts enhance learning and professional development. Members should foster a collaborative environment, respect differing perspectives, and contribute positively to team efforts.
- Use of Resources: Resources should be used responsibly and ethically. Members should use organizational resources, including time, funds, and facilities, responsibly and for their intended purposes. Any misuse, misappropriation, or unauthorized use of organizational or chapter resources is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to, using funds for personal expenses, diverting funds for non-approved activities, or falsifying financial reports. Members are expected to follow proper financial procedures and guidelines when handling funds and report any discrepancies or concerns promptly to the appropriate authority. Mismanagement of funds may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the organization or chapter.
- Respectful Interactions
- Harassment and Discrimination: Every individual has the right to work and learn in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. Members should refrain from any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic.
- Bullying and Intimidation: Bullying and intimidation undermine our values and community. Members should avoid any behavior that constitutes bullying or intimidation, whether in-person or online.
- Fraternization: Personal relationships should never compromise professional responsibilities, and all members of the organization, particularly those in positions of authority, are expected to set the standard for professional conduct at all times. Romantic, sexual, or inappropriate relationships between PSE HQ staff/faculty/ volunteers/employers with college student members are prohibited. Furthermore, any behavior, whether in public or private, that creates an appearance of impropriety, undermines the professional environment, or makes others feel uncomfortable must be strictly avoided. This includes, but is not limited to, actions that may be perceived as inappropriate or unprofessional in any setting. All individuals are expected to demonstrate professionalism and respect, serving as role models and upholding the integrity of the organization. Any situation that raises concerns about unprofessional behavior must be disclosed to the National President, CEO, or a member of the Executive Committee.
- Ethical Responsibilities
- Conflict of Interest: Conflicts of interest should be disclosed and managed to maintain trust. Members should avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to relevant authorities. If a conflict exists and is disclosed, that member should recuse themself from any decision making process involving the conflict.
- Confidentiality: Confidential information should be protected and used appropriately. Members should maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and use it only for legitimate purposes.
- Legal and Policy Compliance: Compliance with laws and policies is essential. Members should adhere to all applicable laws, campus regulations, and organizational policies.
- Safety and Well-being
The safety and well-being of our members are paramount. Any actions that endanger the physical or emotional health of an individual or group will not be tolerated. Members will adhere to all organization, campus, and laws designed to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
- Reporting and Addressing Concerns
- Reporting Mechanisms: Concerns should be addressed promptly and confidentially. Members should report any violations of the Code of Conduct to the PSE National President, CEO or any member of the National Council Executive Committee and can expect confidentiality and protection from retaliation.
- Investigation and Resolution: Fair and impartial investigation processes are critical. Reports of misconduct will be investigated thoroughly. Initially, the investigation will be conducted by the National President, CEO, and Executive Committee, or their designee. However, in instances of more serious violations or when deemed necessary, we may seek the assistance of an external, independent investigator to ensure objectivity and transparency. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
- Support and Resources: Support is available for those affected by misconduct. Members have access to support resources and assistance when dealing with incidents of misconduct.
- Commitment to Excellence
- Continuous Improvement: We are committed to the continuous improvement of our conduct and practices. Members should engage in ongoing professional development and seek opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Education and Training: Education and training are essential to maintaining ethical standards. Members should participate in educational programs related to ethical behavior, harassment prevention, and professional conduct.
Legal Compliance
In addition to the above conduct standards, all members must adhere to relevant local, state, and federal laws, campus specific policies and student codes of conduct, including but not limited to:
- Title IX: Ensuring a campus environment free from discrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual harassment.
- Clery Act: Complying with safety and reporting requirements to ensure a safe campus environment.
- Anti-Hazing Laws: Adhering to all state and federal anti-hazing statutes to prevent harmful initiation practices.
- Non-Discrimination Laws: Complying with all applicable non-discrimination laws to ensure inclusivity and fairness within the organization.
Scope and Application
- Scope: This Code applies to all members, including Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) HQ staff, students, educators, alumni, employers, and professional community members. The Code of Conduct applies to all activities and interactions under the auspices of the organization.
- Enforcement: Violations of the Code of Conduct will be addressed consistently, fairly, and transparently. The disciplinary process will include the following steps:
- Investigation: All reports of misconduct will be investigated thoroughly by the designated parties, such as the National President, CEO, and Executive Committee, or an external independent investigator, if necessary. All members who are subject to an investigation will have the right to speak with the investigator during the investigation to provide his or her perspective.
- Assessment of Severity: Once the investigation is complete, the severity of the violation will be assessed by the National President, CEO, and Executive Committee, or their designee, considering factors such as intent, impact, and any prior violations.
- Disciplinary Action: The National President, CEO, and Executive Committee, or their designee, will recommend a disciplinary action following a review of the final investigation. Depending on the severity of the misconduct, disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Warning: A written or verbal warning for minor violations or first-time offenses.
- Suspension: Temporary suspension of membership or privileges for moderate violations or repeated offenses.
- Expulsion: Permanent removal from membership for serious or repeated violations.
- Appeals Process: Members subject to disciplinary action will have the opportunity to appeal the decision within 30 days, ensuring fairness in the process.The appeal must be submitted in writing to the PSE National Council and will be decided no later than 30 days after it is received.
- Final Decision: The final decision will be communicated to the member, outlining the rationale for the action taken and any further steps they must follow.
Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, always ensuring a fair and unbiased approach.
Conclusion
By adhering to this Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) Code of Conduct, we affirm our commitment to creating a safe, professional, respectful, and ethical community. Each member plays a crucial role in upholding these standards and contributing to an environment where integrity, respect, and excellence thrive. Together, we strive to embody the mission, vision, and principles of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) and live by our creed.
Acknowledgment:
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) Code of Conduct. I understand that failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from the organization.