WHAT DO YOU DO IF…

Decoding the Ethical Dilemmas of Your First Year in College

● Define ethics, values, and morals

● Develop a list of personal ethical standards

● Describe steps when navigating through common college student ethical

dilemmas

● Create a plan of action for dealing with future ethical dilemmas

● Build collaboration skills through group work and idea sharing

● Dilemma- Any difficult or perplexing situation or problem.

● Ethics defines how we decide to act● Ethics deals with determining what is right and what is wrong● Ethics involves morals and values

● Values- Our fundamental beliefs.● We use values to determine what we think is just.● Values are standards we set for ourselves.

● Morals are values which come from a specific system of

belief.

● Morals do not come from the individual.

● Morals stem from culture, society, and other outside

influences.

● Determining the amount of say your parents have in your

choices

● Dealing with a roommate that is getting on your last nerve

● Getting an extra academic “boost”

● The way you treat others, especially those who are different

from you

● Figuring out how to deal with an emergency

● Deciding what to say or put on your social media accounts

Should parents dictate your major or the classes you choose? How

much control should your parents have over your college experience?

Student A

I am in college. What my parents think does not matter. I

can do whatever I want! I can stay up late, take rides with

strangers, and wear pajamas to class.

Student B

My parents have always told me what I needed to do. They

filled out all of my applications and helped me with my

college essay. Plus they give money whenever I need it. I

do not want to mess with a good thing.

Student C

I don’t really care. It’s whatever. I do not really know what I

want to do. If my parents want me to do a major I’ll just

do it. It’s better than no major at all.

Some helpful tips:

● College is a good time to take a stand and define

yourself

● Use communication to deal with the differences

between you and your parent(s)

● Build a working relationship with your parent(s)

● Choose your battles

● Be respectful!

What do you do when your roommate gets on your nerves?

Student A

I am going to tell all of my friends to shun her. Then I am going to tell her crush

that I saw her making out with some random person at a party. Not going to

talk to her at all. Then she will get it.

Student B

I am just going to write him some notes and leave it on his laptop. If he does

not do anything he probably has not seen my note yet. I just do not want to

get into an argument.

Student C

I cannot wait until Sam gets back to the room. This kid thinks I was kidding

around. Sam is going to learn today. Nobody eats my cookies without

asking me first. That is just rude.

Some Helpful tips:

● Never enter a new relationship without setting ground

rules

● Know yourself and get to know your roommate

● Be open to dialogue

● Be ready to compromise

● Space is important. Respect it!

Is getting a good grade no matter what the only important

thing in college? Does plagiarism or using “study drugs”

only matter if you get caught?

Student A

I really need to pass this chem. test tomorrow. If I do not study all night I will

not have any chance of passing tomorrow. It’s not that bad to try these pills

to help me focus just this one time. I need to pass!

Student B

My cousin took this class last year. She still has a copy of her paper. I could

probably just change the title, switch some stuff around and be fine. It’s

Sunday and the Pats are on. I am really not trying to stay in this library all

night.

Student C

I read in this article that apes are primates, but I already knew that. I probably

do not have to cite it.

Some helpful tips:

● Adderall like any drug can be addictive

● Adderall can create some psychological issues or

augment previous problems

● College is a time to find your voice, avoid hiding behind

plagiarized work

● If you need extra help check out the Center for

Academic Excellence (They love helping students!)

● When in doubt cite it!

How do you treat others?

Student A

This class is sooooo boring. I am just going to check facebook and twitter.

Somebody save me!

Facebook Status: This class is soooo boring!

Twitter update: This class is soooo boring! #class #boring #classisboring

Student B

To answer your question about summer jobs professor I worked at a grocery

store. Damoula’s Market basket, have you heard of it? Anyways you guys, a

bunch of old people kept coming in. They were gross and smelly.

Student C

That guy today was so mean talking about people from That Place, USA. No

one should be so disrespectful towards other people. I am not from That

Place, USA. If I was I would have said something.

Some helpful Tips:

● Always be courteous, polite and considerate to everyone you

come into contact with (Pay attention in class and stay off

your cell phone)

● Never discriminate against anyone for what

ever reason (Always be mindful of what you are saying

during class or during outside of class discussions. Think it

through)

● Encourage those around you to be considerate of others as

well

What do you do if you find your roommate unconstious, possibly under the

influence of substances, in the hallway?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMSb5fS5rQM

Student A

If his shoes are still on I will need to get a sharpie.

Student B

I guess I can carry her to bed. She better not throw up on me like last time.

Student C

I have 99 problems and this kid is definitely not one. Look at this face. Does

this look like the face of someone who cares?

Some helpful Tips:● Safety first● Learn about SSU’s Good Samaritan policy● If you or a friend has a substance abuse problem do not be afraid to seek out help ● Reach out to your RA or RD on duty ● Counseling and health services are a resource for you

What should you post online? How do you decide what is worthy to be shared,

tweeted, or posted?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9HiTybgLHM

Group A

Your roommate is being cyberbullied by an ex. On many occasions you have

walked into your room to find your roommate crying. What do you do?

Student B

Your best friend cyberbullies an ex because that person cheated during their

relationship. What are you initial thoughts?

Student C

A friend from high school tells you about a cousin who is thinking about

dropping out of your school because someone at your college is sending

threatening messages online. What would you do to stop this kind of

behavior on your campus?

Some helpful tips:

● When interacting online know your intentions

● Be yourself

● Be mindful of your audience (Think TNK… Truth Necessity and Kindness)

● Ethical dilemmas can be a daily occurrence

● Do not be afraid to think about and question your

normative values from time to time

● In the end, try to define for yourself who you are and

what you are about

● Do your best as well to understand others around you

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http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dilemma

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What Would You Do? Domestic Violence [video file]. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMSb5fS5rQM

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