The Personal and Ethical Foundations (PEF) is one of the ten competency areas provided
by ACPA and NASPA. The PEF competency area is an area that involves the dignity and
trustworthiness of the student affairs professional. In the ACPA /NASPA Professional
Competencies rubrics, this competency area has three sections outlined that serve as an
assessment tool for the student affairs professional to use. The three sections outlined are
wellness and healthy living, ethical codes and professional standards, and self-assessment and
reflection. Through constant reflection and adjustments, I believe this area of competency can
help professionals know themselves better and help them maneuver around their career and the world in a more efficient and holistic way. The PEF competency area also allows the individual to reflect on their own personal beliefs and learn how to stay true themselves and their beliefs while also carrying out the requirements and duties of their career. Because of my experience as a resident assistant during my undergraduate years, as well as my previous position as a residence director, I would consider myself to be at an intermediate level of proficiency in this area.

 

The resident assistant job provided the impetus to my advancement of competency in this area. While I served as a resident assistant, I believe I obtained a foundational level of competence in the PEF area. Maintaining a professional composure wherever you go was instilled in all of the resident assistants. Something that was frequently preached to each resident assistant was that they hold that identity everywhere they went and how their actions was not only a reflection of them as a person, but also a reflection of residence life holistically. With holding student workers to a higher standard, it was important for resident assistants to be cognizant of the impact they had on other students as well. The resident assistant job has helped shape me into a more professional individual, not only on Fredonia’s campus and in that job, but also in my personal life outside of school. That position guided me and prepared me for a residence director position, which helped me to solidify an intermediate level of proficiency in this area.

 

Similar to the resident assistant position, there is a level of professionalism that must be upheld, working as a residence director. It is important to model the behavior expected of the resident assistants as well as students. Being a director of a residence hall, it is important to have a sense of understanding of how substantial the position has in the growth and development of the residents. As a residence director, I constantly seek to expand my skill set and positively contribute to the field of higher education. I tell myself that there is always room to grow. The residence director job has helped me obtain an intermediate level of competency in this area and I constantly strive to master this area. In HEA 622: Techniques in Counseling I learned about the importance of self-care and knowing yourself.  In HEA 618: Student Affairs Administration, we looked closely at the ethical and professional standards in the field. In HEA: 623 Techniques in Counseling for Diverse Groups and Cultures, I learned how to do more self-reflection and know myself better.

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                               Artifact 1:

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While studying broad in Germany, I was able to center myself and practice mindfulness at the Königliche Kristall-Therme am Kurpark Schwangau spa. The spa ensured that I was present and kept my mind off of the many things I had to deal with ahead of me. Practicing mindfulness promotes healthy living.

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                                                  Artifact 2:

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In HEA 622, I was able to conduct weekly self-assessments guided by the Insight workbook. This workbook helped me understand who I am, what I would like to work on, and allowed me to set goals for myself.

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                                                     Artifact 3: 

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The Calm App is an app that I like to use regularly that helps me with my anxiety. Starting my day off with breathing exercises and meditation has truly allowed promoted healthy living in my life. 

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