Oct. 4, 2010 - California State University, Bakersfield is hosting its annual Ethics Awareness Week Oct. 11 to 14. The week includes a variety of events that are free and open to students, faculty, staff and the public.

The theme, "Understanding Ethics in your Discipline," is designed to address ethical issues across majors and industries. Employers and experts from the community will visit campus throughout the week to participate in panel discussions. Topics include journalism, business, child care, and criminal justice.

"It's really important for students to start learning and understanding about ethics now, before they enter the workforce, so they are prepared to think critically about situations and have the tools for sound decision-making," said Roopa Davé-Lakhani, director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, which is hosting the events.

A welcome program will take place from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the Student Union Multipurpose Room with keynote speaker Dr. Mary Doucet, chair of the accounting and finance department at CSUB.

The schedule includes the following panel discussions in the Student Union Multipurpose Room:

Mon., Oct. 11: Professional Ethics Forum featuring faculty from the School of Business and Public Administration and members of the business community, 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Tues, Oct. 12: Ethics of Journalism featuring reporters from The Bakersfield Californian, noon to 1 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 13: Ethics in Early Child Care featuring representatives from local child care centers, noon to 1 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 14: Ethical Dilemmas in Criminal Justice featuring faculty from the criminal justice department, noon to 1 p.m.

All presentations are free to attend. Parking at CSUB is $2. For more information, call Roopa Davé-Lakhani at 661-654-2680 or visit www.csub.edu/ethics.