Ethics and Philosophy Discussion Posts:
As an ethical SI Leader I believe it is important that I demonstrate all of the characteristics
discussed in the reading, as well as in the training. However, the principle that takes highest
priority for me is positive regard. Learning how to practice unconditional positive regard is
perhaps the most important thing I have done as an SI Leader. Seeing as SI is voluntary it is
important that sessions and office hours remain a safe and fun place for students to come and
learn. Having students that do not attend class or have not done the readings does disrupt the
flow of sessions, but as their FRIEND it is not job to judge them!! It is my job to welcome them
with open arms and use the session time to arm them with the tools necessary to be successful
students. While I want to do whatever possible to help students be successful, I do not let my
need to help them override my ethical responsibilities to the university and to the CLASS office.
Therefore, I will not do the work for them, but will instead do as the article suggests and help
them “learn how to learn”. ~J.E.
In order to be an ethical SI Leader, one must be confident in one's moral values. At our age
we know the difference between right and wrong. As a SI Leader we are representing the
university, we must set an example for the students. We should be friendly but we are not
going to give them the answers for their exam just to be liked. In my opinion the most
important value is respect for each other. Respect is the base for other values. If a student
respects you, he won’t ask you to do something that puts in your job in risk. If you respect the
intelligence of a supervisor you are not going to lie to them. If you respect your students you
can appreciate other forms of learning. If you respect your professor’s trust in you, you are not
going to betray it by telling the students the answers to the exam. Where there is respect,
there is a positive attitude, acceptance, and honesty. My general rule in ethical issues is: If it
doesn’t feel right, it is probably not right. Trust yourself, and ask a supervisor before doing
anything you are not comfortable with. ~L.S.
In my opinion being an ethical person in general is the most important value one can have. I
feel that if one tries to live an ethical lifestyle many other things simply fall into place. As SI
leaders we must strive to maintain a code of ethics to be fair to our students, our professors,
our fellow SI leaders, and ourselves. By considering any possible problems that may arise
throughout the semester at the beginning we as SI leaders are able to prevent and/or prepare
solutions to the various situations. As SI leaders we represent FAU and must strive to set a
positive example for others. It is important as a leader to determine what ethics means to you
personally. What are your values as a student? As a leader? As a human being in general? It is
important to preemptively consider solutions to any confrontations that could arise. My
personal belief is to treat others as you would wish to be treated. You never know what may
be going on in someone's life at any given time. It is important to remain respectful throughout
ANY situation. As a member of the human race I feel obligated to ensure that I avoid making
anyone's life any more difficult than it already is and to try to make it more pleasant. Honesty,
positive regard, and respect are all very important aspects of this idea. In order to ensure a
smooth journey through life it is key to identify the values that you wish to represent! ~M.L.