♦ Moral, Ethical and Spiritual Compass ♦
Graduates should possess a well-defined personal moral, ethical, and spiritual compass that provides grounding and direction. This “compass” should include:
- personal moral, ethical, and spiritual commitments that are reflected through honesty, truth-telling, and servant-oriented approach to leadership;
- an ability to articulate a Christian worldview that reflects the values, ethics, and principal teachings of the Christian faith;
- an understanding of and commitment to the codes of ethics guiding the various student affairs professional organizations.
My parents taught me right from wrong, about honesty, honor and compassion, and that a person’s relationship with their God was unique and personal. I was expected to work hard to earn my successes, to be forthright, caring, thoughtful and accountable; I experienced the rewards of the golden rule and was always shown that it was better to give than to receive. Additionally, I was blessed to be raised in an environment of spiritual pluralism, with friends that were Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Lutheran, Baptist, Mormon, Scientologists, atheists, agnostics, undecided and more; in my neighborhood, we were all the children of someone’s God. For over half of a century, I have attempted to practice inclusion, acceptance, truthfulness, integrity, and goodness. As always, I continue to strive to embody these moral, ethical and spiritual values – in myself, with my students, my colleagues, my family and my friends.
- In my roles for Orientation Programs and College Outreach, I talk with students about their responsibility for social justice, moral and ethical choices and about balancing their campus life to maximize their collegiate experience.
Orientation Excerpt - In my role as the Transfer Admissions analyst and Outreach Counselor, I clearly and honestly communicate with community college students, advisors, and faculty, so potential transfer students can make informed and realistic decisions about their education.
Denied Admissions Letter - In my role as the Recruitment Coordinator, I showcase The College with enthusiasm, but when a student has talents or interests beyond the offerings at UCSB, I help the student identify other institutions that might be a better match for the student.
Architectural Engineering note
Greta and Carl email - Student Affairs professionals need to facilitate students’ travels into the unknown, to encourage their curiosity and validate all their attempts, successful or not, to continue to seek a true understanding of themselves and their connection with creation. My personal reflection paper on Parker Palmer’s “To Know As We Are Known”.
Student Affairs Should Exemplify Education as a Spiritual Journey - All of my professional affiliations adhere to the common values of integrity, accountability, responsibility, and respect - with our students, our colleagues, our communities and society as a whole. We must teach, as well as live by, these standards.
UCOP Statement of Standards and Ethics
NACADA Advising Values
ACPA Ethical Principles Standards
ASEE Ethics