The Blueprint
McGill University Faculty of Engineering launches an engineering code of ethics
An official ceremony on March 17th 1999 at 4:00 p.m. led by the Dean and Associate Deans of the Faculty of Engineering of McGill University, will formally launch the newly-created Code of Ethics, The Blueprint, for staff and students of the Faculty. The ceremony will take place in the newly renovated lobby of the McConnell Engineering Building, at 3480 University Street. Prominent leaders from Industry will join Chancellor Gretta Chambers, several Vice-Principals, faculty members and students in this seminal event.
Although universities around the world have long had weighty codes of conduct governing student behaviour, the Blueprint is believed to represent a unique step towards formalizing the ethical standards that society, the Engineering profession and students themselves are demanding today. As Jeff Karp, a student member of the tripartite committee (students, faculty and support staff) that developed the new Code, puts it: "Members of the McGill Faculty of Engineering must care about ethics because we exist within a human community and communities are secured by virtues and sound moral principles. A code of ethics can help provide an atmosphere where people can feel respected, satisfied and appreciated. This can be accomplished by getting people to think about their actions and the impact they have on themselves and others."
The Blueprint consists of six ideals, created by staff and students for the staff and students that are designed to provoke thought. This will be achieved by making the code visible. Plaques will be unveiled in all of the engineering buildings. The Blueprint will appear on exam booklets, in departmental offices, in admission brochures, on bulletin boards, and on mouse pads that will be given to all students and staff who subscribe.
As Engineering is a professional degree, students and staff represent not only the school; they also represent the profession. Members from industry will be invited throughout the school year to give lectures on topics related to ethics. This link with industry will help demonstrate that ethics apply in all aspects of life. Three speakers from industry have been invited to speak at the launching ceremony: Isabelle Deschamp, Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Development, Innocentre; Richard Jokiel, Engineer and Manager of University Relations, Nortel Networks; and Mario Modafferi, Director of Advanced Engineering, Pratt and Whitney Canada Inc. These speakers will address the importance of ethics in industry and the link it has with the university community.
For more information: Jeff Karp, student, Department of Chemical Engineering
514-844-8149
