The Auburn Code challenge coins represent the Auburn University values of INTEGRITY, RESPECT, & EXCELLENCE. They are a symbol of what we believe in. The back states, “We Believe in Auburn,” a nod to the Creed. This token is a reminder of our Code of Conduct & Ethics adopted in the fall of 2024, and how we conduct ourselves every day in carrying out Auburn’s mission.

To bring the Code of Conduct to life throughout the organization at all levels, these coins can be earned by employees who go above and beyond in demonstrating the values. There are two ways employees can earn a coin:

1. Through Deans and Senior VPs: Deans and Senior Vice Presidents will receive 12 coins each to award approximately one per month to an employee within their chain of command who is exemplary in exhibiting the Auburn values and living the Code. Supervisors may suggest their employees for selection to their Dean or VP. When a coin is awarded, the Dean or Senior VP recognizes the employee for living the Auburn values in the Code of Conduct. We ask that the Dean/Sr. VP or their designee submit a form at https://aub.ie/codecoin to document the actions that earned the award and keep track of who they have awarded coins to (this form is not required but strongly suggested for record keeping purposes).

2. By Nomination: Anyone at the organization can nominate another employee for selection to the Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy. The employee submits a form at https://aub.ie/codecoin to describe the actions that justify the award and the values that were demonstrated. OACP will review the submission and verify the nomination with the nominee’s supervisor. Once approved, OACP, the nominee, or the nominee’s supervisor will award the coin to the individual. A team may nominate their supervisor, or an employee may nominate someone in another unit they have worked with cross-functionally.

This process will enhance recognition of employees who are role models of the values in the Code. Each person’s conduct impacts the overall organization. Thank you for doing your part to foster a culture of compliance and ethics at Auburn University. Let’s strive to fulfill the mission of our institution with integrity, respect, and excellence, and celebrate each other when we do so.

 

Front of challenge coin
Back of Challenge Coin

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not in a 12-month period. There are a limited number of coins and to distribute them fairly across the organization, Deans/Sr. VPs are limited to 12 per year. They may receive 12 more the following year while supplies last if they submit 12 forms at https://aub.ie/codecoin. 

No, you may not nominate yourself. Nomination must come from a supervisor or someone within the chain of command, or who has worked on an interdepartmental project with the individual. We encourage people not to nominate each other just to get a coin, as that does not exhibit integrity. 

The Dean/Sr. VP will only receive additional coins to total 12. If they awarded 8 and have 4 remaining, they will receive 8 additional coins the next year instead of 12, as long as they have submitted the 8 forms the coins they have previously awarded. 

Not necessarily. The Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy will review all nominations and may exercise discretion as to whether coins are awarded. This will depend on the volume of nominations and the supply of coins. Other factors may include whether the individual has any known compliance violations that may be contrary to the values of integrity, respect, and excellence.