Code of Ethics of Journalism Students, Yerevan State University, adopted on 1 October 2003.

Concerned over widespread violations of ethics in the Armenian press, wishing to put an end to this negative tradition and act in compliance with ethical principles, students of journalism department are adopting a code of ethics. By this step, they intend to take the lead over their senior colleagues, showing a good example to media. Owing to the code, students in the journalism department will set a good example of ethical journalism in their small but stable journalistic milieu. After graduation, they will take that experience further on to editorial offices.

Council of Ethics, Journalism Department
We, students of the Yerevan State University journalism department, accepting freedom of expression as the highest value, promise to be guided by the following principles in our professional activity.

Reliability, Objectivity and Fairness
Our main goal is serving the public, providing reliable and impartial information. We report only verified news.
We abstain from the publication of ungrounded, confusing or distorted materials.
We correct any published mistakes as fast as possible.
We provide multilateral coverage of the problem or issue and present a diversity of opinion.

Opinion, Comment and Fact
We do not present opinions, theories or comments as facts and make a clear distinction between them. Our material is not based on assumptions.

Conflict of Interests
When on duty, we do not accept gifts, money, free services, treat (except a cup of coffee or tea). 
We do not write commissioned material. Our publications do not serve the interests either of ourselves, our relatives or our friends.
When actively involved in politics, we cease our journalistic activity.

Reference
We always refer to the source of information, except the cases we promised confidentiality in urgent circumstances. In this case we keep this promise, informing our readership as well.

Defamation and Insult
We do not publish any material that defames or discredits an individual or organization.
Before laying accusations on anyone, we primarily ask his opinion and give him an opportunity for response.

Privacy
We do not publish the details of an individual’s personal life without his permission with the exception of cases when publication of the information may serve vital public interests. Without the knowledge and permission of an individual, we do not infringe on his privacy with a camera or recorder.
In covering the personal life of an individual, we are guided not by wishing to satisfy public curiosity but public demand for information.

Plagiarism
We respect copyright and avoid plagiarism.

[Source: www.rjionline.org]