Introduction

Texas State Technical College Harlingen counselors encourage student growth and development in ways that foster the interests and welfare of students and promote formation of healthy relationships.  Counselors attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students they serve.

Principle 1:  Responsibility

The primary responsibility of counselors is to respect the dignity and to promote the welfare of students.

Principle 2:  Confidentiality

Counselors have a primary obligation to respect the confidentiality of information obtained from students.  Counselors do not share confidential information without sound legal or ethical justification.

The general requirement of keeping information confidential does not apply when disclosure is required to protect students or identified others from serious and foreseeable harm or when legal requirements demand the confidential information must be revealed.

Principle 3:  Professional Responsibility

Counselors have a responsibility to the students to engage in counseling practices that are based on scientifically derived theoretical methodologies and make every effort to ensure that their services are use appropriately.

Principle 4:  Relationship with Other Professionals

Counselors recognize that the quality of their interactions with colleagues can influence the quality of services provided to students.  Counselors develop a positive working relationship and systems of communication with colleagues to enhance services to students.

Principle 5:  Evaluation, Assessment and Interpretation

       Counselors use assessment instruments as one component of the counseling process, taking into account the student’s personal and cultural context.  Counselors promote the well-being of students by developing and using appropriate educational and career assessment instruments. 

Principle 6:  Supervision, Training and Teaching

Counselors will monitor the services of counselors-in-training assigned to the Counseling Center.

Principle 7:  Resolving Ethical Issues 

Counselors behave in a legal, ethical, and moral manner in the conduct of their professional work.  They are aware that student protection and trust in the profession depend on a high level of professional conduct.  Counselors strive to resolve ethical dilemmas with direct and open communication among all parties involved and supervisors when necessary.  Counselors incorporate ethical practice into their professional work.