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INSTRUCTORS: 

Tara Hoke, Aff.M.ASCE
Anna Pridmore, PH.D., P.E., M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

A professional code of ethics is only valuable when it has meaning and relevance to the members of that profession. For more than 100 years, ASCE's Code of Ethics has been a source of guidance to civil engineers, but in that time, the Code has seen a number of substantial revisions, aimed at better capturing the fundamental moral principles that govern the practice of engineering.

The current ASCE Code of Ethics, adopted in October 2020, was the result of a years-long effort to develop a code that better reflects the needs of today's and tomorrow's engineers. As a member of the volunteer task force that drafted the new Code, Dr. Pridmore will describe the development of the current Code and will outline the principles behind its content and organization. ASCE's General Counsel will review the language of the Code and will test how it applies to actual case studies.

Engineering is a proud, honorable, and ethical profession. This course allows you to contemplate and focus on the ethics that will guide you and the profession to the continued respect the public and our clients demand. This is the road all must all follow.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Definition of ethics
• Review of the ASCE Code of Ethics
• Discussion of cases

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explore how professional ethics can change and grow across generations and recognize how this change is reflected in ASCE's new Code of Ethics
• Identify an engineer's ethical obligations now and perhaps in the future and how to apply them in real life situations
• Explain how ASCE enforces the code of ethics and member's responsibilities
• Locate available resources for assistance in addressing ethical questions or concerns

Course Benefits

This course provides the opportunity for attendees to:

• Reflect and focus on our ethical standards and your performance
• Acquire a deeper understanding of ethics in general and the importance of an ethical workplace
• Develop an understanding of professional versus personal ethics
• Learn sound ethical decision-making tools and where to go for help
• Learn the history and the evolution of the ASCE Code of Ethics including the global ethics initiative
• Review facts and outcomes of cases investigated by ASCE's committee on professional conduct

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

Ethics transcends all engineering disciplines and specialties as well as all organizational levels. This course is designed to benefit all of these areas and consequently is applicable to engineers at any stage of their careers.

Course Outline

• Exactly what are ethics?
• How did the ASCE Code of Ethics come about?
• What does the Code say and can I possibly live by it?
• Where can I get help in making ethical decisions?
• What guidance does the Code offer as applied to actual case studies?

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth .2 CEUs/2 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]