Centre for Applied Ethics

CONSTITUTION

REGULATIONS: CENTRE FOR APPLIED ETHICS

1. NAME:

Centre for Applied Ethics.

2. STATUS:

The Centre is an interdisciplinary research and service institution for the University of Stellenbosch located in the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts.

3. AIMS:

3.1 GENERAL AIMS

To identify and analyse the problems that arise when ethical norms are applied in decision-making processes in the fields of:

3.1.1 research- and therapeutic practices in medical science and the answering of questions about the nature, existence, status, protection and enriching of human lives,

3.1.2 business activities,

3.1.3 the appreciation of works of art,

3.1.4 developments in science and technology and its influence on the environment and quality of people's lives,

3.1.5 the creation of an organized and just society and division of privileges in society.

3.2 ACTIVITY AIMS

3.2.1 To initiate, plan and do interdisciplinary research in the above mentioned areas;

3.2.2 To create an information bank on the above mentioned issues;

3.2.3 To make information available and give advice to institutions that are responsible for:

3.2.3.1 policy formulation and legislation for practices where it is no longer clear what ethical norms are relevant, and applicable

3.2.3.2 the formulation of educational policy and curricula.

4. STAFF:

The staff of the centre consist of :

4.1 The permanent and part-time staff of the Department of Philosophy, and other academic and research staff that are involved in the Centre.

4.2 research-, technical and administrative staff that the University might appoint.

5. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONING:

5.1 In keeping with the overall aims of the Centre its activities will be organized in separate units.

5.2 The units can function under the guidance of a management committee consisting of representatives of interested disciplines as well as skilled persons outside the University that can promote interdisciplinary co-operation.

5.3 The management committee of the Centre can create a unit and appoint a management committee with final approval from the senate.

5.4 The management committee of a unit can appoint project committees for different (research-) projects that could be tackled in the different units. Project committees report on their working units to the management committee of the Centre.

5.5 The management committee of the Centre appoints the head of a unit. The head of a unit acts ex-officio as the chairman of the unit's management committee (if the latter exists).

6. MANAGEMENT:

The management of the Centre is exercised by a management committee with the following composition and functions:

6.1 Composition:

6.1.1 The dean of the Faculty of Arts or his/her representative

6.1.2 The chairperson of the Department of Philosophy (or his/her representative) that acts as the Director of the Centre;

6.1.3 The heads of the different units;

6.1.4 A representative of the following institutions:

The Director of the Centre for Knowledge Dynamics and Decision-making or a representative;
The Director of the Centre for South African Politics or a representative;
One representative on behalf of the University of Stellenbosch's Departments of Psychology, Social Work and Sociology jointly, appointed every two years by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts in consultation with the relevant departmental heads/chairpersons.
One representative of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
One representative of the Faculty of Health Sciences

6.1.5 The management committee choses every two years from within its own membership a chairman

6.2 FUNCTION

The management committee will be responsible for:

Determining general policy in consultation with the Director of the Centre;
Decisions about the use of available funds;
The submission of a yearly report on the work of the Centre and its units for the approval of the Faculty of Arts.
The creation of an executive committee of three members that will handle urgent matters and make routine decisions;
The appointment of the heads of the units of the Centre;
The creation and management of the management committees of the Centre's Units (if required);
Co-ordination of work to prevent duplication and promote co-operation with interested institutions.
Delegation of specific competencies to the Director of the Centre;
Any other issue that affects the Centre

6.3 Meetings of the Management Committee

6.3.1 The management committee meets at least once a year. In the absence of a chairperson the attending members choose a chairperson;

6.3.2 Three members form a quorum;

6.3.3 Decisions are taken by a majority of votes;

6.3.4 Proper minutes will be taken of the meetings of the management committee.

7. DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE

The Director of the Centre is responsible for:

7.1 the carrying out of the aims of the Centre;

7.2 the practical guidance and overseeing of the activities of the Centre;

7.3 the appointment and control of the staff of the Centre.

8. TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS AND PAYMENT:

8.1 Temporary appointments and compensation are made and paid by the University of Stellenbosh on recommendation of the Director of the Centre.

8.2 Invoices for administrative and research expenses, travel and accommodation costs will be paid in keeping with current university tariffs.

9. RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS:

9.1 The Centre reserves the right to be acknowledged in any publication for research work that was completed with the support of the Centre.

9.2 Results of any research completed under the auspices of Centre can be published, with the permission of the Centre's management committee, under the name of the author, and the name of Centre

10. FINANCING:

10.1 The Centre's funds are obtained through donations, awards and payment for specific projects.

10.2 The Director of Finances and Services of the University of Stellenbosch is responsible for the administration of the Centre's finances.

10.3 The Centre's financial year is the same as that of the University.