Ethics Week returns this year with a focus on “Ethics in Action,” highlighting how Georgia Tech’s core value, We act ethically, comes to life across our campus community. Ethics isn’t just a principle; it’s the everyday decisions, conversations, and commitments that build trust and integrity into everything we do.

This year, the Office of Ethics and Compliance is especially excited to welcome Joshua Toas, Georgia Tech’s inaugural, fully dedicated chief ethics and compliance officer. The creation of this position represents a major milestone in Tech’s ongoing commitment to an ethical and accountable culture.

“I am honored and humbled to join the Georgia Tech team to help contribute to an already strong culture of compliance and values-based decision-making,” he said. “I look forward to meeting with colleagues throughout the Institute to discuss our commitment to ethics as a reflection of our values and how we can partner to strengthen this core obligation to each other and the larger community.”

Danette Joslyn-Gaul, general counsel and vice president for Ethics, Compliance, and Legal Affairs, shared her enthusiasm for this next chapter.

“His role will help ethics and compliance remain central to how we lead, make decisions, and maintain an effective, trusted compliance program,” she said.

Ethics Week, taking place Nov. 3 – 7, will feature a mix of educational, service, and engagement opportunities designed to help every member of our community put ethics into action. Campus experts, guest speakers, and the University System of Georgia (USG) will join together to showcase how ethical decision-making drives innovation, trust, and public service.

As always, attendees at Georgia Tech events will enjoy giveaways, snacks, and conversations that connect our core values to everyday practice.

For a full schedule of Ethics Week programs, and to RSVP, visit ethicsfirst.gatech.edu/ethicsweek.

Below is a list of Georgia Tech and USG events.

Georgia Tech Programs

Ethics Delivered! 
Friday, Oct. 31
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Exhibition Hall

In this collaborative outreach event with Tech Dining, members of the Ethics and Compliance team will visit dining locations to connect directly with frontline staff. We’ll promote Georgia Tech’s Code of Ethics, answer questions about workplace values, and distribute resource materials and giveaways.

Stop by to:

• Receive a quick overview of Georgia Tech’s Code of Ethics.
• Pick up compliance and ethics resources.
• Ask questions in a casual, conversational setting.
• Grab a giveaway!

Visit an Ethics Week Table at GTRI

Friday, Oct. 31, and Monday, Nov. 3 – GTRI Headquarters
Tuesday, Nov. 4 – GTRI Cobb County Research Facility
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

We’re bringing Ethics Week directly to GTRI! The Ethics and Compliance team will host pop-up outreach events designed to meet employees where they are — offering visibility, access, and support without requiring a trip to the main campus.

Stop by to:

• Receive a quick overview of Georgia Tech’s Code of Ethics.
• Pick up compliance and ethics resources.
• Ask questions in a casual, conversational setting.
• Grab a giveaway!

Ethics Week Student Tabling
Tuesday, Nov. 4
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ferst Center Plaza

Students are invited to stop by the Ethics Week table for fun, information, and giveaways! Test your knowledge and win prizes ranging from candy and pens to phone holders and long-sleeve t-shirts. Co-sponsored by Equity and Compliance Programs, the Honor Advisory Council, the Office of Student Integrity, and the Office of Ethics and Compliance.

Dining Hall Food Recovery Shift – Campus Kitchen Project

• Tuesday, Nov. 4: North Avenue Dining Hall, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 5: West Village Dining Hall, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Georgia Tech faculty, staff, and students are invited to sign up to volunteer for food recovery efforts for students experiencing food insecurity. This project is a hands-on way to embody our values of service and shared responsibility. Departments and teams are encouraged to volunteer together. It’s a great way to spend an hour of your day!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45ABA728A3FFCF8-59214122-ethics#/

Sign up as an individual or with your office. Additional instructions will be sent to volunteers in advance.  

When the Spotlight’s On: Ethical Decision-Making in High-Stakes Environments
Wednesday, Nov. 5
10 – 11 a.m.
Scholars Event Theater – Price Gilbert 1280
RSVP here: https://gatech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HejyMz7EXVJBb0

In this cross-sector dialogue, Steve Salbu (Georgia Tech), Mia Reini (UPS), and Jeff Heck (Monday Night Brewing) explore what it means to lead ethically when the pressure is high, the stakes are real, and the consequences extend far beyond the room. Panelists will discuss how corporations, academic institutions, and small businesses navigate ethical risk, reputation management, and public expectations, and what happens when things go wrong. The conversation will cover what the textbooks say, how ethical recovery and decision-making happen in real life, and what employees and managers need to know when they witness misconduct or face gray areas.

 

This Might Be Uncomfortable: But We Need to Talk

Thursday, Nov. 6
11 a.m. – noon
Scholars Event Theater – Price Gilbert 1280
RSVP here: https://gatech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9FDfuMe2PMcUJ0i
 

This panel will explore how to navigate critical conversations in the workplace, especially when opinions differ, stakes are high, and emotions are involved. Supervisors and employees will learn strategies for:

• Initiating tough conversations.
• Communicating with the future in mind.
• Navigating the intersection of respect and ethics in the workplace.

USG Programs

USG Chancellor’s Event: Leading With Integrity in a Complex World

Monday, Nov. 3
1 – 2 p.m.
Virtual Access the Live Session here: https://bit.ly/2025USGEAW

Speaker Jimmy Blanchard, retired Chairman and CEO of Synovus; Vice Chairman, Covey Equity

USG Ethics and Compliance Best Practices Panel

The Compliance Catalyst: Leadership that Shapes Culture
Friday, Nov. 7
10 – 11 a.m.
Virtual – Continuing Education Credits Available
RSVP Here: https://ung.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GfnW5Rt3TVW5CRCIlpgcMQ