SDG 16.3Integrity and fairness at UPES
UPES's own rules set high standards of integrity, protect people who raise concerns, and give students and staff fair ways to seek redress.
- Zero tolerance for corruption. The Code of Conduct bans bribes, kickbacks, fraud, falsifying records and misuse of funds, and requires accurate accounts and proper controls. Source: UPES Principles of Engagement, Code of Conduct, clause 3.3.12.
- Gifts and conflicts of interest. Staff may never accept cash or vouchers, may accept only token gifts not exceeding ₹3,000, which must be reported, need formal written approval to give gifts to government officials, and must declare any personal interest that could conflict with their duties. Source: UPES Principles of Engagement, Code of Conduct, clause 3.10.
- Political neutrality. Staff may not misuse university funds for any political party, canvass for a party, or use political influence in university matters. Source: UPES Principles of Engagement, Code of Conduct, clause 3.7.
- Protection for whistle-blowers. Reports of misconduct are treated confidentially, and people who raise concerns are protected against retaliation. Source: UPES Principles of Engagement, Code of Conduct, reporting concerns.
- Fair process. No disciplinary action is taken until a case is fully investigated, and the person concerned is told the complaint and given the chance to answer, call witnesses and cross-examine. Source: UPES Principles of Engagement, Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedure.
- A recognised Students' Union. UPES recognises and supports its Students' Union with resources, mentoring and recognition, alongside student committees that give students a voice and support:
Governance input: the Student Discipline Committee works with the Proctorial Board and alerts it to ragging, substance abuse, road accidents, harassment, and racial or caste discrimination; the School of Business Student Council, an apolitical body, works for the welfare of its students.
Support for students: Gender Champions promote gender equality, and the Moot Court Committee trains law students in advocacy.
Social activities: the Sports and Cultural Committees run games, festivals and events all year, and students look after the campus nursery.
Source: The Students Union at UPES (PDF), UPES student committees. - Many voices in quality decisions. The Internal Quality Assurance Cell, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, brings together senior administrators, the deans of every school, teachers at all levels, a student representative, an alumni representative and a nominee from employers and industry to review and improve the quality of teaching, research and campus life. Source: UPES Internal Quality Assurance Cell.
- Ethical conduct. A published Policy on Ethical Conduct requires every member of the UPES community to follow the law and university policies on academic integrity, research ethics, intellectual property and financial management. Source: UPES Policy on Ethical Conduct (PDF).
- Redress for students and staff. An Anti-Discrimination Committee, an Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and a Student Grievance Redressal mechanism under the UGC Regulations, 2018, with an email and online portal, give everyone a way to raise concerns. Source: Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy (PDF), Anti-discrimination, ICC and grievance redressal (PDF).
See also: Legal Odyssey 2025: Echoes of Inclusion in Events and activities.
The Support Centre for Minority Groups. 
Source: Anti-Discrimination Committee (PDF).
Sources and further reading