Acpa Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards

We, practitioners and specialists in student affairs, will create, participate and support a community that strives to respond ethically to all situations and contexts. Practitioners are trained in ethics and its potential to shape meaning; solve problems; promoting social justice; celebrate the multifaceted nature of diversity; and create common ground where there is none. These practitioners make day-to-day decisions to enable students and colleagues to have a positive impact on students, community members, other practitioners, policy, and institutional culture. The topics of ethics and ethical decision-making are discussed daily by all students, faculty, staff and administrators throughout higher education. Ethical decisions made within ACPA, our relationships with external organizations and colleges are transparent and consistent with our values as student affairs practitioners. Ethics and Mentoring Relationships (DOCX) This document describes ethical practices for mentors and mentees. Ethical Standards and Practices (PPT) This PowerPoint presentation serves as a starting point for dialogue on four principles of ethical practice in the field of student affairs: 1) professional responsibility and competence, 2) student learning and development, 3) responsibility to the institution, and 4) responsibility to society. The ICCA Ethics Committee has been working for several years to raise awareness and dialogue on ethical decision-making issues in higher education. The association has revised a statement of ethical principles and standards, and the committee has created a number of related materials that can be used in courses or training sessions. Ethics Case Study (PDF) A case study for practitioners to examine the dynamics of students and faculty with respect to sexual harassment. The resources can be used to foster conversations and curricula on ethical issues, and have been designed for college and graduate students, faculty, staff and administrators at various stages of their careers. Some of these resources have been designed by the committee to be tailored to your specific population or your own professional development. The committee sponsors programs at the national convention, writes articles in developments, and sponsors positions on ethics.

If you would like to get involved in the committee or if you have any questions about the content of this website, please do not hesitate to contact one of the committee members listed in the directory. A great resource for student affairs! Check out the #SAChat archives.