I very much like the 12 common ethical conduct statements expected for the postsecondary education industry.
Ethics
common ethical conduct expected to ensure respect for the postsecondary education industry.
1. Qualified Staff and Faculty - Schools should ensure that individuals in any position within the institution are qualified to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.
2. Knowledgeable - Staff should be adequately trained to share information about the school with prospective students and others as needed.
3. Good Moral Character - Schools should ensure that all employees maintain good moral character and have not demonstrated prior acts of improper behavior relating to a school, its students, or related regulatory bodies.
4. Honest Communications - All communications with constituents including prospective students, students, parents, alumni, employers, regulators, etc. should be forthright and honest.
5. Transparency - Schools should openly provide the required disclosures and assure clear presentation of facts related to school data. Information should not be intentionally omitted to prevent someone from making an informed decision.
6. Integrity - Schools should operate with integrity, demonstrating appropriate management controls to separate duties that could introduce conflicts of interest if done by an individual with shared responsibilities.
7. Responsibility - Schools and their employees should demonstrate responsibility by ensuring that provision of services and program offerings satisfies the expectations of its constituents.
8. Fair Treatment - Schools should ensure fair treatment of students and employees by not discriminating against anyone inappropriately, while ensuring that restrictions and limitations (such as those related to certifications and licensure) are appropriately disclosed and communicated.
9. Compliant Culture - Schools should establish a compliant culture by fostering the rules and requirements set forth by the myriad of regulators with oversight to an institution and its programs.
10. Set Realistic Expectations - Schools should ensure that they can deliver to established expectations including those of students, employers, parents, and any others with which they have a relationship.
11. Professionalism - Schools should foster a professional environment that inspires trust and confidence.
12. Accountability - Schools should take accountability for all actions and rectify any problems which may arise with tact and diplomacy.
