Ethics Applied to the Resident Assistant Position

Presented By: Jean Keelan, M.S., N.C.C. Director of the Academic Center for Excellence

Outline of Presentation

Definition of Ethics Types of Ethics Behaviors of an Ethical Person Ethical Considerations in the RA Position Residence Lifes Mission Statement UTs Student Code of Conduct What does it mean to be 100% Responsible? The Headline Test

Definitions
Ethics

is a general term for what is often described as the science (study) of morality. In philosophy, ethical behavior is that which is good or right. Quoted from Wikipedia.org

Types of Ethics

Meta-ethics: the investigation of the nature of ethical statements Normative ethics: the attempt to arrive at practical moral standards that tell us right from wrong, and how to live moral lives Applied ethics: applies normative ethical theories to specific controversial issuesthere are several sub-branches of applied ethics examining the ethical problems of different professions Taken from Wikipedia.org

Behaviors of an Ethical Person

Thinks before acting Considers all people involved Examines all potential outcomes Applies established policies and procedures Acts in a professional manner Maintains confidentiality when appropriate Is diplomatically honest

Applied Ethics to RAs

Being a good role model Exercising rational thought and sound judgments Setting priorities that reflect values Establishing boundaries in relationships with residents Focus on the RA mission Enforcing rules and regulations

Residence Life Mission Statement

The Office of Residence Life is dedicated to providing students with a safe, comfortable, affordable and stimulating living environment. Residents can explore value structures, personal responsibility, interpersonal relationships, and community development and awareness. Students are offered opportunities to interact with faculty, staff and peers in order to promote well-rounded, holistic development on an individual and community basis.

Spartan Code of Conduct

The community at The University of Tampa strives to support the development of each student as a productive and responsible citizen who embraces the values of honesty, good citizenship, trust, respect, and responsibility.

Spartan Code
promote and practice academic and personal honesty. commit to actions that benefit the community, as well as engage in activities that better others. discourage intolerance and acknowledge that diversity in our community shapes our learning and development. conduct myself in a manner that makes me worthy of the trust of others. recognize the ideas and contributions of all persons, allowing for an environment of sharing and learning. accept full responsibility and be held accountable for all of my decisions and actions.

The Art of Becoming 100% Responsible

The Headline Test

In every situation, determine choices and associated outcomes. Imagine the course of action taken printed in the headlines of a major newspaper. Can you be proud of the choices you made? Were you being 100% responsible? The most difficult choices test the very core of your values and character.