Working in University Advancement at BGSU has provided me a different perspective on ethical professional practice. Because so many of our policies are based on IRS and other government regulations, we must closely follow the code of ethics set forth by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Due to my work with these processes and my involvement with CASE, I have been able to develop my ability to describe the ethical statements and their foundation principles of the professional association directly related to my work context (ACPA & NASPA, 2010).
Aside from an understanding of the role ethics play in decision making and protocol in my division, I also see the role ethics play in student decision making. For example, I had a conversation with one of my SAC students about breaking a lease with current roommates so she would have the opportunity to live with her new sorority sisters in a different house off-campus. I talked her through the ethical implications of her decision, and helped her understand the legal ramifications as well. As a professional, I feel it is our job to help students reason through their ethical dilemmas, even if we cannot make the “right” choice for them.
Aside from an understanding of the role ethics play in decision making and protocol in my division, I also see the role ethics play in student decision making. For example, I had a conversation with one of my SAC students about breaking a lease with current roommates so she would have the opportunity to live with her new sorority sisters in a different house off-campus. I talked her through the ethical implications of her decision, and helped her understand the legal ramifications as well. As a professional, I feel it is our job to help students reason through their ethical dilemmas, even if we cannot make the “right” choice for them.