History of Admission Practices
Ethical college admission is the cornerstone of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Since its founding in 1937, when a select number of college and university professionals came together to create a Code of Ethics within the admission counseling profession, NACAC has striven to ensure principled conduct among professionals in the recruitment of students and the transition to postsecondary education. This code of conduct is known today as the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission. NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission reflects the association’s long-standing commitment to principled conduct among professionals who support students in the college transition process from secondary school to postsecondary education and in the transfer process between postsecondary institutions. Due to the cancelation of the 2020 Assembly, prior to the 2020 Virtual Conference the NACAC Assembly Delegates voted via Written Consent to approve the replacement of the Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP) with the best practices document, Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission.
In short, NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission is the conscience of our profession. It can guide our actions in the face of current and emerging pressures. It empowers us to build trust and find common ground while we work to ensure that every student’s dignity, worth, and potential are realized in the transition to postsecondary education. This guide is intended to state what NACAC members believe are the best, ethical practices for conducting the admission process, we believe they are applicable to all who work to guide students to their “what’s next” decision.
Emily Haggerty serves as chairperson for the Ethics in Admission Practices Committee