Ethics and Professional Responsibility | Origin: AC101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Understanding the Admissions Profession --> Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Ethical behavior should always be at the forefront of every decision. If pressure to "get as many students as possible signed up" admissions representatives will feel pressured to make the sale, instead of really finding out what is best for the student. Admissions departments should have a goal to support students honestly and responsibly, while maintaining trust. We should always conduct all work with integrity, fairness and respect with everyone that we work with, and work for.
This module was about ethical behavior in admissions couselling. Some of the most interesting concepts were illustrated in the Youtube videos (60 Minutes, etc) that had undercover cameras showing the pushy sales tactics of the admission counsellors. It is good to know that there is some regulation now that forces admission departments to be accountable for the statistics they are quoting potential students - especially regarding graduation rates, employability, and salaries. Having discussion groups among admission counsellors to discuss ethics vs pressure to enroll students, and how to handle difficult ethical decisions has been shown to bolster these employees and help them feel their problems are not unique.
I have learned that ethics and professional responsibility in admissions means being honest, fair, and respectful when working with students.
Admissions reps should give accurate information and treat all students equally. It’s also important to protect student information and follow rules.
I plan to apply this by being honest in conversations, sharing correct information, and always thinking about what is best for the student.
I learned that ethical behavior in admissions goes beyond just following rules. It’s about consistently acting with honesty and responsibility, even when it may slow down enrollment. I also better understand how ethical gray areas can arise, such as downplaying a student’s concerns, and how pressure combined with unclear expectations can lead to poor decisions.
