APAC Principles of Ethical Conduct

INTRODUCTION

These Principles are designed to require the highest level of ethical and professional conduct among advisors recognized by the Professional Athletic Consultants. PAC members pledge to adhere to these standards as a condition of membership and annually as a condition of renewal. Failure to abide by this code subjects professionals to immediate removal or suspension from the Professional Athletic Consultants with no refund of dues or conference fees impacted by such disciplinary action.

I. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

A. Members practice within the boundaries of their expertise, based on relevant education, training, and professional experience. They clearly delineate their areas of expertise and never promise to use undue personal influence for commercial gain. In cases with elements outside their competence, they either consult with or refer clients to appropriate colleagues.

B. Members commit to continuing education and development of professional expertise. Attending the PAC Virtual Conference every year is the minimum standard to meet this commitment, and members are strongly encouraged to use all the professional tools at their disposal to develop their practice and better serve their advisees.

C. Members know and understand the philosophies, values, missions, goals, approaches and methods of the schools and athletic programs they recommend.

D. Members are familiar with and adhere to state and federal laws relevant to their practices, as well as the values, goals, and standards of all professional organizations of which they are a member.

II. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A. Members are expected to avoid relationships that could reasonably and foreseeably give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest, interfere with the ability to provide objective service, or compromise the confidence or trust necessary for effective advising.

B. When such relationships exist, they must be disclosed and acknowledged in writing immediately.

C. It is considered a conflict of interest for a PAC member to have a financial stake in a student’s tuition discount award. Consultants engaging in this practice are ineligible for PAC membership.

D. Members shall avoid not only conflicts of interest but also the appearance of conflicts by being forthcoming with clients, colleagues and institutions.

III. RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

A. Members treat students and their families with respect, decency, and sensitivity as confidential advisors.

B. Members advise students that the information in their applications and all supporting documents should be accurate and truthful. This includes applications, resumes, recommendations, test scores, health records/communications about injuries, and transcripts.

C. During the advising process, with appropriate, written consent, members may communicate with other professionals in addition to the student’s parents/guardians.

D. Members maintain confidentiality of records, notes and client information and disclose confidential information only with written consent and on a need-to-know basis.

E. Members are clear and forthright about the nature and scope of their services, including providing fees and financial arrangements in writing before services begin.

F. Members neither guarantee placement nor outcomes.

IV. RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEGES & PROGRAMS

A. Members neither solicit nor accept compensation from colleges or programs in return for placing/attempting to place students with them. Gifts received from a school or program totaling less than $100 in a calendar year shall not be considered compensation.

B. Members must avoid giving the appearance of applying influence regarding admissions process, decisions or other interactions.

V. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER CONSULTANTS, COUNSELORS & ADVISORS

A. Our organization and members subscribe to and practice ethical, honest, and respectful behavior in all actions with our client families, the public, and other educational professionals. We are responsible for the integrity of our own actions and the actions of our associates and employees.

B. Members will refrain from making disparaging or discriminatory remarks generally or advocating for policies that disparage, discriminate, or exclude students, families, universities, schools, programs, or other consultants based on anything except professional expertise.

C. Members accept payment only for work performed. They do not receive commissions or other payments for enrollment or referrals to programs or vendors. This policy should not be interpreted as interfering with formal, ongoing business relationships a consultant may have with partners, associates, or employees based on revenue sharing.

VI. PUBLIC STATEMENTS AS A PROFESSIONAL

A. Members will not make disparaging public remarks about any school, university, program, student-athlete, coach, PAC members and staff, or other college advisors, either verbally or in their print or electronic communications.

B. In dealings with the public, including paid or unpaid advertising, members represent themselves honestly, avoiding misrepresentation. Members claim special competencies only if such competencies are demonstrable and valuable to advisees. Members do not contribute to heightening anxiety surrounding college admissions and athletic recruitment.

C. Members are familiar with and strictly adhere to the PAC Logo Usage Guidelines.