Putting ethical reasoning into action

The committee tasked with developing a quality enhancement plan for the university is set to deliver their report to the university's accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  The report is the final step in the reaccreditation process prior to a campus visit by the accrediting body.
Madison Collaborative: Ethical Reasoning in Action is a five year plan that focuses on teaching ethical decision making skills that students will be able to apply across many personal, professional and civic situations from people close at hand (friends, neighbors, co-workers) to people at a distance (other Americans, global communities).  The ability to evaluate ethically the implications of different courses of action for ourselves, others and the community is at the core of JMU's mission statement, "preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens."

During the last year-and-a-half a team of faculty and staff from across the institution assembled a plan that aims to teach every single student at Madison ethical reasoning skills and how to put them into action. From Freshman Orientation and programming in the residence halls to advanced upper level courses in the majors, JMU students will be steeped in learning how to apply ethical reasoning in their personal, professional and civic lives.

Bob Kolodinsky director of the Gilliam Center for Free Enterprise and Ethical Leadership at JMU and associate professor of Management believes you do not have to look very far to understand why this plan is so important.  "If you look at the news on a daily basis there are scandals in business, politics - in all aspects of life. I think every university needs this and it is a way for JMU to stand out. We can develop a reputation for it and it can become part of our brand."

Meg Mulrooney associate dean, University Studies and associate professor of History sees the societal challenge Kolodinsky describes as one that Madison is uniquely suited to face. She says, "There's a very good chance we can have a powerful impact here. We're really well positioned to make this work because among the many traditions on this campus, one of the things we have done since the beginning is promote civic engagement. Ethical reasoning skills are absolutely essential to citizenship."   
The Madison Collaborative: Ethical Reasoning In Action already is live with faculty and staff engaged in developing ways to integrate teaching and assessing ethical reasoning skills across campus. The plan is for the program to be in full swing by the Fall 2013.

To find out more visit www.jmu.edu/qep.