Erika Orman

Ethical Professional Practice

 

Category: Proficient

 

Description: "The Ethical Professional Practice competency area pertains to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and apply ethical standards to one’s work.  While ethics is an integral component of all the competency areas, this competency area focuses specifically on the integration of ethics into all aspects of self and professional practice” (p. 14). 

 

There are two main activities that have helped me achieve proficient competency in Ethical Professional Practice: academic advising and advising fraternities.  In these activities, I have developed in the following areas:

• “articulate one’s personal code of ethics for student affairs practice” (p. 14)

• “identify ethical issues in the course of one’s job” (p. 14)

• “assist students in ethical decision making and make referrals to more experienced professionals when appropriate” (p. 14)

 

Activities:

 

Academic advising.  As an academic advisor, I have access to confidential information in my interactions with students.  I am responsible for taking accurate notes in an online database that is part of students’ permanent records.  In recording these notes, I must include relevant details while maintaining students’ privacy in regards to personal or sensitive information.  I must also comply with FERPA regulations in my interactions with students’ family members.  Occasionally, I receive phone calls from concerned parents and I must try to assist them without divulging any details about students’ records.  

Another ethical consideration in academic advising is how to interact with students who express an interest in leaving the university.  This is an ethical dilemma because, at BGSU, retention is of critical importance.  Each student’s tuition dollars make a difference in the university’s budget.  As an employee of the university, I am responsible to the university and must uphold its best interests.  However, I also have a responsibility to each student.  I have identified in my own personal code of ethics that I prioritize individuals over the institution.  When necessary, and when it is best for the student, I will absolutely support them in making the transition out of BGSU. 

 

Fraternity advising. The second activity that has helped me develop in this competency area has been advising fraternities at BGSU.  Specifically, I had many conversations with the leaders of these groups on risk management, mostly in regards to hosting parties.  I helped these men think through ethical considerations, the values of their organizations, and university and fraternity policies as they pertained to risk management.  It was critical that I hold the men accountable, but to allow them to come to some of their own conclusions about what course of action to take.  

 

Reference

ACPA & NASPA (2010).  Professional competency areas for student affairs practitioners.  Washington, DC: Authors.