Code of Ethics

In 2002, the Council adopted this Code of Ethics to guide member interactions and relationships. Each Member Institution is part of the broader academic profession of educating and training the generations of practitioners, with the responsibility to assist in furthering this academic profession, in preparing high quality practitioners and in protecting the public. The Council was formed with this purpose, which is shared by all Member Institutions.

Council members are encouraged to respect each other, particularly each other’s diversity of approach and to collaborate on projects, where feasible and appropriate, through or outside the Council, to achieve mutual goals.

Member Institutions are encouraged to share publications and methods of operation, and where appropriate, to join together in research projects or workshops to enhance teaching or other services, thus permitting them to accomplish what one alone could not do or could do only more expensively and inefficiently. Administrators and faculty at Member are encouraged to participate in workshops, seminars, and other events for the mutual education and Member advancement.

Member Institutions' administrators, staff and faculty should not disparage or discredit other academic institutions, by disparaging the character, nature, quality, value, or scope of its course of instruction or services; or by imputing to the other institution dishonorable conduct; or by adversely reflecting on it in any other material respect.

At no time should Council members, formally or informally, discuss with each other tuition rates, scholarship policies, limitation of enrollment, limitation of teacher salaries, or other practices that might be construed as being violations of antitrust laws or otherwise in restraint of trade.

Member Institutions are encouraged to treat all colleagues with civility and respect and to acknowledge the importance of respecting different beliefs or opinions. Although Council members should feel free to disagree with each another, distortion or misrepresentation is unacceptable. Members' positions should be stated in a summarized manner in all Council meetings.

Council members are encouraged to respect the confidentiality of material or information received by any Member Institution, in either oral or in written form.

The Council attempts to reach consensus on most issues so the academic profession may move forward together. Members are encouraged to disclose their views and present them freely before working with the whole to reach a consensus. However, a minority view can be expressed and shall be respected by all. Those who adhere to the minority position shall recognize that the consensus position is the policy of the Council until altered.

At all Council meetings, workshops, seminars or other events, members are encouraged to act with dignity, respecting and honoring the rights of others to present differing points of view.

Council members are encouraged to represent the consensus or majority view of the entire Council at all professional events or meetings and public activities. At all times, the Council’s mission, goals, bylaws, and strategic plans must provide the guidance for the Council’s communications, activities, and decisions with the public.