Faculty ethics

Is Cheating on Exams Ever Ethically Justified?

Situational Ethics is Problematic on College Campuses Situational Ethics was pioneered by Joseph Fletcher. In situational ethics, right and wrong depend upon the facts of each situation rather than societal or cultural norms. There are no universal moral rules or rights – each case is unique and deserves a unique... Read more →


What Should Be Done About Students Buying a Test Bank

Are Students Responsible or Instructors? Last week I received a notification from the American Accounting Association that said: “As you may know, most textbook publisher’s test banks and solution manuals can be purchased online or are free, which cause an unlevel playing field for students.” The Association asked for volunteers... Read more →


Should the Michigan State Athletic Program Be Given the Death Penalty?

Larry Nassar and Michigan State: A Tale of a Corrupt Culture, Ethical Blindness, and Institutional Indifference I always believed the NCAA was relatively even-handed with its punishment of Penn State University in the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal. The football program scandal led to a $60 million fine, four-year postseason... Read more →


Should You Write That Letter of Recommendation?

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Recommendations for Students If I were still a teaching professor, at this time of year I would have been inundated with student requests for letters of recommendation. Alas, I retired 1 ½ years ago so this is one chore I no longer... Read more →


Higher Ed Ethics Watch Receives Award

Third Ethics Sage Blog Chosen as one of the BEST in its field! I am happy to report my new Higher Ed Ethics Watch blog has been chosen by Feedspot as one of the best 75 blogs on topics related to higher education. This comes after my Workplace Ethics Advice... Read more →


Sexual Harassment Charges Hit College Campuses

A New Form of 'Pay for Play' It was bound to happen sooner or later. The sexual harassment charges in Hollywood, the media, and Congress have now expanded to include college campuses. As a professor for more than 30 years, I can’t say I am surprised. The close relationship between... Read more →


Corporate Partnerships a Threat to Academic Integrity

The Sale of University, Inc. I just read about the University of Wisconsin-Madison's corporate partnerships that bring revenue for the institution but also raise ethical questions. One is example is Mentos. It conducted a campaign that challenged a student to hand out 43,000 packs of the company's gum in order... Read more →


Reimagining Ethics Education

Instilling a Moral Purpose in Education Increasingly, college students encounter ethical dilemmas on the job because of workplace conflicts, social media challenges, and pressures from superiors to deviate from ethical norms. Students need a framework to help them reason through these situations so that they focus on what's most important... Read more →


Higher Education Ethics Watch

What is the Role of Higher Education? Today, I begin the third of my blogs, Higher Ed Ethics Watch. Some of you have read my ethics sage blog that addresses a variety of ethical issues facing society. Others are readers of workplace ethics advice that deals with business ethics in... Read more →