ADVISOR CODE OF ETHICS FORM

Ohio DECA offers programming that prepares students to become future business leaders as well as provide them with the skills necessary for future careers in marketing, management, finance, hospitality and tourism, and entrepreneurship. Part of these skills is professional conduct, which must also be modeled by our Advisors, as these adults serve as role models for our student members.

For Ohio DECA to offer programming opportunities for our student members, it is imperative that our Advisors conduct themselves in an ethical, honest, and professional manner, and follow the rules and expectations set forth for Ohio DECA by the Ohio DECA Staff, Executive Council, and Board of Directors.

This Advisor Code of Ethics Form must be completed by October 1st, 2026. Failure to complete this form by the deadline could lead to the consequences outlined below.

By agreeing to the Ohio DECA Code of Ethics, all Advisors understand the following requirements as part of their roles and responsibilities:

1. All Advisors have received and reviewed the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators and agree to comply with the standards contained in this code and all related policies and procedures, as required for continued employment.
2. All Advisors will comply with all rules, regulations, policies and procedures for all Ohio DECA activities and events.
3. All Advisors will behave in a professional and ethical manner, especially when dealing with students and/or members of the Ohio DECA Staff, Executive Council or Board of Directors.
4. All Advisors must ensure all student members are following the Ohio DECA Code of Conduct, which applies during all Ohio DECA activities. In the event of any Code of Conduct, disciplinary, or security violations by a student member during an Ohio DECA activity, the Advisor must immediately inform the Ohio DECA State Advisor of the incident. Decisions made by the Ohio DECA State Advisor must be deferred to by the Advisor.
5. All Advisors agree to follow their district's policies regarding suspected use of drugs and alcohol by their student members.
6. All Advisors will work any required shifts assigned to them during any Ohio DECA activity. This includes arriving early for set-up or staying after to help clean up, with a heightened focus on competitive event responsibilities during CDC or ICDC.
7. All Advisors will follow the DECA Inc. policies regarding AI Usage during competitive events; this policy must be followed during all levels of Ohio DECA competition.
8. All Advisors agree to the proper use of any DECA Inc. Competitive Event materials provided to them on behalf of Ohio DECA. This includes use during District Competitive Events as well as classroom use. Advisors should review DECA Inc.’s guidelines to ensure proper material usage.
9. If the Advisor cannot be located within a reasonable amount of time during an Ohio DECA activity, the school's Principal or designated Administrator will be contacted if any emergency situations arise with student members.

Consequences of Code of Ethics violations:

All violations of the Ohio DECA Code of Ethics will be referred to the Ohio DECA State Advisor and Board of Directors. The following processes will be applied depending on severity:

1. Disciplinary actions against the Advisor and/or chapter's student participants, including forfeiture of awards, suspension from future Ohio DECA programming, and possible further action through the Office of Professional Conduct.
2. An email and/or letter will be sent to the school’s Principal, Administrator or Superintendent informing them of the violation.
3. Violations from members of the Executive Council or Board of Directors may result in removal from those positions.
4. Severe violations may result in the entire chapter being removed or banned from future Ohio DECA activities.
    

By signing below, you agree to follow the outlined requirements and policies necessary for participation in annual Ohio DECA programming: