Change and ethics in the higher education

The XXI century has brought along radical transformations in the way the society as a whole is organized and in particular in the way of organization of the university world. For the universities, this transformation/change process is not a new item; as time flowed these institutions have transformed permanently in order to serve the society as well as possible. At present, the very varied shapes in which they exist, from the traditional university up to the virtual university, are just phases in a long row of transformations. The higher education institutions include in their purposes and their mission professional development and affirmation, the evolution of knowledge and research while respecting the state and human rights. In this approach the universities must respect the dignity of their members, while promoting the academic integrity. In their entire activity the higher education institutions have promoted values and principles like: university autonomy, academic freedom, justice and equity, merit, professionalism, honesty and intellectual fairness, transparency, respect and tolerance, responsibility, benevolence and care.