The primary mission of MFG/PRO Midwest User Group (MMUG) is to enable users of QAD's MFG/PRO software to meet and discuss ways to better benefit from the software their companies have licensed. This involves arranging for members (both Regular and Associate members) to make presentations at semi-annual conferences dealing with MFG/PRO and its usage. MMUG will also arrange for various employees of QAD to make presentations at these conferences and be on hand for individual discussions with members. In additions MMUG will strive to assist in satisfying individual member's desire for self-improvement while furthering their opportunity for community service in a framework of high ethical standards. Thus, all programs, activities, publications, speeches, and conduct of MMUG and its individual members shall be carried out in a highly ethical manner, focusing on a standard of excellence which will reflect credit to the organization.

It is the responsibility of MMUG and its members to maintain high ethical standards in any form of communication or actions by any and all individuals. If at any time the actions of any individual MMUG member or member company are in conflict with the basic principles, ideals, or standards of MMUG, that member or member company may be subject to suspension or expulsion by MMUG.

Members of MMUG shall not use any form of communication in a derogatory or personally damaging way, nor conduct or condone any programs, activities, publications, speeches, and conduct which are offensive or in poor taste or otherwise considered detrimental to the best interests of MMUG. In addition, no such person or entity shall publish or distribute any newsletter or other publication that contains defamatory remarks, malicious and derogatory charges, or false or libelous statements.

No member of MMUG may make statements representing the views and opinions of MMUG other than duly elected officers and then only with the approval of the Executive officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer).

No MMUG member shall assist, support, aid, facilitate, invite, or condone any conduct by any former MMUG member or any other non-MMUG member, which has the purpose or effect of interfering in the programs, proceedings, or affairs of MMUG or its members. For example, if someone appears at a MMUG event and attempts to exercise undue influence on the proceedings, no current member shall aide or support person causing the disturbance.

Violation of any of the above principles concerning prohibited activities by an individual member of MMUG, will subject the offending member and his/her company to suspension or expulsion, unless the member company takes actions to prevent future occurrences by the individual.

Since Associate Members make up a large part of the membership it is important to address some areas that are pertinent to Associate Members and not necessarily applicable to Regular Members.

Associate Members are expected to uphold a high professional and ethical standard along with the Regular Members. There may be more than one Associate Member that provides a particular service or product, consequently there is expected to be some competition for business. MMUG requires all statements about a product or service offered to be documented and provable upon request.

Professional and ethical conduct would assure that one member does not resort to tactics that would include making undocumented claims of superiority of one product over another. Making undocumented claims about underlying technology or design decisions used in a competitor's product, in an effort to make a competitor's product look bad will not be tolerated. Mass mailings or communications to the membership of MMUG with such claims are not acceptable.

MMUG will not attempt to make legal decisions of what is libel or slander. However, if one member lodges a complaint against another, the Board of Directors will request both parties to discuss and resolve the issue. Failure to do so may result in expulsion of the offending member. MMUG will normally not take action unless a complaint is lodged against an offending member. The complaining member must be prepared to show where any claims made against it are false or inaccurate. This procedure is not intended to emulate a legal proceeding. The intent of the procedure is to be sure that problems do not arise due to simple misunderstandings and lack of communication between members.

MMUG must provide an enjoyable, harassment-free environment in which members can reach their full potential. Each MMUG member must take personal responsibility and abide by the principles contained in the governing documents and policies of MMUG.

To maintain this enjoyable environment, members may not use any form of communication in a derogatory or personally damaging way, nor conduct or condone any programs, activities, publications, speeches, and conduct which are offensive or In poor taste or which could be construed as harassment.

If a member believes he or she has been harassed, they should promptly report the facts of the incident(s) and the names of the individuals involved to the following officers, depending on whether the alleged offender is:

TO MMUG President initially and, if the member is not satisfied with the substance or timeliness of MMUG President's response, to any other member of MMUG Board of directors. The MMUG Officer receiving the report must conduct a confidential investigation of the allegation and report the outcome to MMUG Board of directors, which must take or commence whatever action may be appropriate to resolve the matter

To MMUG President initially if the President is not implicated. If the President is implicated or if the member is not satisfied with the substance or timeliness of MMUG Presidents response, to any other member of MMUG Board of directors. MMUG Officer receiving the report must conduct a confidential investigation of the allegation and report the Outcome to MMUG Board of Directors, which must take or commence whatever action may be appropriate to resolve the matter.

In each case, MMUG must take appropriate action to resolve the matter and to minimize the likelihood of a reoccurrence, if possible.

Since MMUG is an independent organization, there is no higher organization where appeals can be made. If the initial decision concerning a matter is not satisfactory, the entire Board of Directors will meet to make a decision. Decisions based on a 2/3-majority decision by the Board shall be deemed final.

We trust that all members will continue to act in a responsible and professional manner to maintain a positive environment supporting every person's desire for self-improvement within the MMUG educational program.

Political Ethics: It is imperative that MMUG preserve and protect the democratic principles upon which organizations like MMUG feel are important, including the rights and freedoms to seek and hold office. No action, written, oral, or otherwise, shall be taken that will interfere with the right of every individual qualified to seek and to achieve election to any Office at any level of the organization. In addition, no action shall be taken that will interfere with the right and duty of every delegate to vote solely as his or her conscience avid best judgement dictates.

To ensure that the democratic principles are preserved and to protect the personal integrity of its members and the integrity of the organization itself:

3. No such person or entity shall publish or distribute any newsletter or other publication that contains defamatory remarks, malicious and derogatory charges, or false or libelous statements;

Campaign Ethics - Having and fulfilling the roles of a MMUG office, allows members to enhance their leadership skills. In keeping with the spirit of MMUG, campaigning for office should be a positive experience that fosters self-confidence and personal growth. To ensure that MMUG political campaigns are conducted in a positive manner:

3. All activities, publications, letters, speeches, and conduct of campaign participants shall be represented in a standard of excellence reflecting credit on the organization.
4. Other than in support of a nominee, no officer shall, except as an individual MMUG member, take any action to endorse or officially support any Officer candidate.

Violation of any of the above principles concerning prohibited activities by a member of MMUG will subject the offending member or member company to suspension or expulsion unless the offending member ends its own violations.