In 2020, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) transitioned from its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP) to a best practices document titled Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission. This shift underscores the critical role of a statement that guides the ethical behavior of a company or organization. This article delves into the reasons behind this change and the broader implications of ethical guidelines in the professional landscape.
The Context of Change
The move away from the mandatory CEPP stemmed from an investigation by the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ). This investigation led to several significant consequences, including a moratorium on enforcing the CEPP, the removal of specific provisions, substantial legal fees, and a formal complaint from the DOJ.
During this period, while many institutions and individual members adhered to the fundamental principles of the CEPP, some adopted more aggressive recruitment tactics. Vendors also began offering services to address the evolving landscape. These changes created uncertainties for members, students, and families navigating the college admission process.
To address this new reality, the NACAC Board of Directors decided to recast the CEPP from a mandatory code to a statement of best practices during its March 2020 meeting. This decision was prompted by the need to protect the association from potential legal challenges.
Rationale Behind the Shift
Maintaining the CEPP as a mandatory code could have exposed NACAC to further investigation and penalties from the Justice Department. Individual institutions could have also challenged the CEPP in court, arguing that its mandatory provisions restricted their ability to recruit students. Furthermore, companies and organizations might have claimed the code restricted their services. Even students who believed the CEPP hindered their college choices could have taken legal action against NACAC.
Before making this decision, the board consulted extensively with legal counsel, gathered input from committees, and considered feedback from members. The board concluded that revising the CEPP into a best practices document would mitigate the risk of legal actions that could negatively impact NACAC’s budget and operations.
The Benefits of Best Practices
The board also believed that a new best practices document, emphasizing NACAC’s core values, could support educational efforts to guide the profession and strengthen NACAC’s position as a trusted resource in college admission. This approach aligned with NACAC’s mission to serve students, families, and the profession, while also honoring its fiduciary responsibility.
The Affiliate Presidents Council, the Admission Practices (AP) Committee, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Leadership in College Admission all endorsed the best practices approach.
Developing the New Guide
Following the board’s authorization at its March 2020 meeting, the AP Committee drafted the new Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission. The draft was then reviewed and commented on by the Affiliate Presidents Council, other association leaders, and the entire membership before being presented to the assembly delegates for approval.
The Importance of Ethical Guidelines
This example illustrates the significance of a statement that guides the ethical behavior of a company. Whether it’s a mandatory code or a set of best practices, having clear ethical guidelines is crucial for maintaining integrity, fostering trust, and ensuring fair practices within any organization or industry. Such a statement serves as a compass, guiding decision-making and promoting responsible conduct.
Conclusion
The transition from the CEPP to the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission reflects NACAC’s commitment to adapting to changing circumstances while upholding its core values. This proactive approach ensures the association can continue to serve students, families, and the profession effectively and ethically. The collaborative effort in developing the new guide underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping ethical standards.
