Code of Ethics

The Volante follows the Society of Professional Journalist’s Code of Ethics.

In addition to the SPJ’s Code of Ethics, The Volante adopted an addendum Code of Ethics on February 13, 2009.

1. Conflict of Interest
   1. Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

i.     With the exception of the Opinion section, staff members cannot be affiliated with the USD Student Government Association or partisan student organizations.

ii.     Staff members, excluding opinion columnists, cannot sign campus, local, state or national petitions or participate in political campaigns while employed by The Volante.

iii.     Staff members, excluding opinion columnists, cannot publicly endorse or promote SGA or political campaigns. This includes, but is not limited to, joining Facebook groups and volunteering/donating to   campaigns.

1. Other Campus Newspapers

i.     Volante staff members are prohibited from working for another campus newspaper such as The News.

1. Reporting

i.     Staff members who write for the Opinion section cannot write for any other section.

ii.     Reporters should not report on and/or interview close friends, family roommates, significant others or organizations in which they are involved.

iii.     Staff members must follow the Society of Professional Journalist’s Code of Ethics at all times.

1. Reporting on Public Figures
   1. The Volante reserves the right to report on campus leaders who are charged with crimes that negatively affect the USD community.

i.     Public figures include, but are not limited to: USD faculty and administration, elected officials, Greek Life presidents, Student Government Association officials and leaders of campus organizations.