Personal & Ethical Foundations

There are three subcategories of this competency: Wellness and Healthy Living, Ethical Codes and Professional Standards, and Self-Assessment and Reflection. This competency area involves the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to develop and maintain integrity in one’s life and work; this includes thoughtful development, critique, and adherence to a comprehensive standard of ethics and commitment to ones wellness and growth (ACPA & NASPA, 2015). Although I do not have much experience in this competency, I hope to develop it further throughout my career. 

WELLNESS & HEALTHY LIVING 

I would label myself as having a foundational understanding of the Personal and Ethical Foundations competency. A large part of developing this competency is creating passion to become a life-long learner who contributes back through the student affairs profession. The increased attention directed toward mental health has influenced me to take better care of myself mentally. I have in-depth knowledge of what it means to assess my mental and physical health, and I believe taking care of one’s mental health in some ways surpasses physical health. Many non-life-threatening health issues correlate to an individual’s mental state. After I understood the impact mental stability has on my physical state, I began to implement tools such as mindfulness and meditation into my daily routine. 

 Throughout my undergraduate experience, I focused a lot of my time and energy catering to others’ needs and expectations as opposed to my own. During this time, I became unfulfilled. I was constantly involved in numerous organizations and campus activities and was stretching myself thin. Trying to make up for the deprivation of social interaction due to the pandemic lockdown, I over-exerted myself and felt my mental health began to decline. Once I noticed this decline was affecting my mood and self-worth, I took time for myself. One of the most powerful things you can say is “no.” Having the emotional maturity to take yourself out of toxic situations or behaviors to tend to your mental and physical health is the epitome of seeking holistic wellness. 

ETHICAL CODES & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 

Although I do not have much personal experience with this subsection of the Personal and Ethical Foundations competency, I can imagine the discretion one must have to protect their student’s information. Part of being a great student affairs professional is familiarization with ethical codes and professional standards. As someone who had the opportunity to work at and attend a University, supporting others’ development and sustaining an ethical workplace culture is a portion of this competency I am familiar with. As you navigate college, you are developing while simultaneously aiding the development of your peers. As you all evolve, students can better contribute to the culture of their current or future workplace. 

SELF-ASSESSMENT & REFLECTION

Self-assessment and reflection are a staple part of this program. I am constantly asked to develop thoughtful and thorough examinations of my projects. In doing so, I can see my wrongdoings and correct them. Aside from the academic use of reflection, I began to reflect on personal issues as well. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.” These simple words are believed to come from Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was a prolific writer who spent an insurmountable time self-reflecting. His reflection and assessment molded him into one of our nation’s Founding Fathers. Although that is a stark exaggeration on the effects of self-reflection, it is still an effective self-discovery tool and taking time to document your personal beliefs, values, assumptions, and biases allows for more accurate reflection. 

To reach advanced mastery in the Personal and Ethical Foundations competency, I will need to start working at an institution as a student affairs professional. Adhering to ethical guidelines and mediating disparities, consulting with colleagues and students to provide ethical guidance, and developing and supporting an ethical workplace culture, are all things that require collegiality amongst a student affairs team. For now, however, I will continue to develop my personal wellness by participating on the University of Virginia’s Volleyball Team and utilizing various tools to strengthen my mental fortitude.

Resources: 

ACPA & NASPA (2015). Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators. Washington, DC: Author