the three most important ethical practives that are important to me would be the enollment process because we need to make sure that the students enrolling understand that school is a commitment that will require studying and homework and dedication. Another practice would be is to make sure they understand the promissory notes. Students needs to know that payments are so weekly and it is like having a monthly bill. It ties in with the enrollemnt. If students know they would not beable to ne here everyday and have no money to pay school then they might want to reconsider school. Last would be absolute honesty with teh student from start to finish. it is so important to be transparent with the student that way everything is clear to them.
When training staff, I start with the following 3 steps:
1) Define Ethical - The word "ethics means different things to different people, which is a major reason why conflicts arise. Therefore, I outline the major ethical frameworks from philosophy: Categorical Imperative, Utilitarianism, Moral Relativism etc. The employee's preferred model is identified, and cross-referenced with the preferred model of the Board and Founder.
2) The Newspaper Test - Before making a decision I ask the staff member to think of this "What if your decision was published on the front page of the local newspaper? What would the readers think of your decision? They do not have to give the popular answer, but I want them to do a stakeholder analysis to determine how others will view the issue.
3) "What if" Analysis - When a conflict potential arises, we conduct "What if" analysis. For example:
- What if the decision harms the school's reputation?
- What if it leads to a lawsuit?
- What if it decreases the student's or colleague's future success etc.
If you ask these questions before making a decision, it usually leads to better decision. The golden rule in our school is "Never lie. Ever". We will deal with the truth, whatever it is. But we will not deceive, obfuscate, manipulate data etc. for money. Those willing to sacrifice integrity for money have no place in our organization. Honestly, they have no place in Higher Ed.
1. Honesty
2. Clear and transparent process
3. Proper guidance
This will provide a better chance for the student to be successful in the degree program they choose.
It is important to be honest and truthful to a student when a degree program is not right for them.
Troy,
The overall goal of a career college or any other educational institution is to ensure that academic welfare of the students. Placing students into programs where failure is eminent is a lose-lose situation.
Cindy Bryant
Getting the students into the right program not the program we are currently filling and we need to direct student to it. We do student a gravely disservice when we put them into programs that we know they will have a difficult time navigating.
Karen,
These are all great questions. If a student does not meet the criteria set forth what is your next step?
Cindy Bryant
Three important ethical practices to me would be Honesty, because honesty is reall thte best policy. Another practive would be good moral, it is best when we all act professional and do the best we can to be professional and last would be to be fair. Everyone sould be treated equally no matter what.
The most important practice at our institution is to first evaluate the student. We asking them a series of questions to see where they are at in life. do they have a car, do they have kids etc. all of these things need to be taken into consideration when staring school. we don't want students to jump into something just to start. we want to make sure they know everything and that it will require a commitment from them. it makes no sense to us to enroll a student and then they drop because they were motivated for the wrong reasons
Three common ethical practices most important to me are enrollment process, tuition and overall honesty. I think that enrollment process must be the most important of all. I don't think studnets should be enrolled as just another number in but should be asked quesitons to determine if this is right for them, do we feel that they will suceed and graduate and be able to work in field. Tution would be another thing to be honest about. If students can not make weekly payments to the school I think it is something that both the student and the school should think about and lastly, over all honesty. we need to be 100% honest with all students wether current or prospective.
Toni Ann,
Being straightforward is an excellent way to operate your business.
Cindy Bryant
Ultimately its getting the person to the right program and making sure that upon completion they can achieve their goals.
The three main ethical practices for me are Qualified Staff and Faculty, Knowledgeable and Honest Communications. All these three things mean “Great Future†for a prospect student. Is not only about students obtaining a career, is a career well taught. Especially when you get students in the Medical Field, they need to be trained to save a life.
Getting the student into the right program is very important. I wouldn't want to enroll someone just to have someone in a seat. I think its important to be ethical in providing a student with answers to their questions. If you don't know, say you don't know and help find someone that does know! Don't beat around the bush!
1) giving correct information
2) making sure accreditation info is correct
3) Giving correct financial aid info
There are many eithical factors that are important but I believe that; first we need to make sure that the student has chosen the right program that will benefit his/her goals. Secondly have the student provide his/her realistic goals and finally, have the student understand the process of Finacial Aid.
Jeffrey:
I like your respond to this question. The following 3 you chosen are so important to the school. Integrity and good practices are always top priority.
I think it is important to listen to the student and their needs. Find the right avenue that is best for them , be honest when answering questions . make sure they are aware of any obstacles that could occur.
Carrie,
Thank you for joining the forum. I can appreciate your comment "complete faith in our school" because that is what it takes to run a good college.
Cindy Bryant
At our campus we take pride in providing as much imformation as possible and making sure it is absolutely acurate and true. We truly want our students to make the best educated decision and it is our job to provide that accurate information to them. We have complete faith in our school and programs and know that if we tell them everything that we can about our school and stay completely truthful, that they will be able to pick the correct program and be succesful.
Three ethical practices most important to me are proper disclosure of admissions information, proper determination and disclosure of financial aid information, and proper disclosure of information relating to placement and Career Services. I feel this is most important because these factors influence and are considered during enrollment and ensuring that students have the proper information to evaluate in my opinion is very important.
