For your professional ethics edification in November

My CPE residency was a transformative year.  I gained self-awareness and sensitivity to valuing the opinion and thoughts of others. My learning encouraged me to be a better chaplain, pastor, and person.  I appreciated the safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment my educators, peers, and myself created.  As an ACPE educator and department director, I must continue to model and maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment. This modeling doesn’t start in group meetings or IPR but publicity, public announcements, or publications from my center.   

               

Completing the application for my residency was an anxiety-filled experience.  I wanted to choose a program to challenge me and help me grow.  Even my desire to be an SES, now referred to as the CEC process, was important because I needed to know what centers offered the appropriate educational opportunities.  All statements in advertising, catalogs, publications, recruiting, and academic calendars must be accurate at the time of publication to open the door and welcome applicants to our transformative educational process. 

Being clear about the center’s program and levels of CPE offered provides essential, trustworthy information as many of our potential students are discerning the next steps in their education.  Knowing the structure, expectations, and educators of the program offers a sense of safety and a foundation of trust in the center.  Accurately describing the program expectations, time requirements, and admission process clarifies initial questions for potential students. The first impressions and relationships with a center do not begin during the interview but with the first viewing of the program’s website, publications, and announcements.