Guiding Principles for Higher Education

Member institutions will ensure that promotional materials used with students will be clear, accurate, and up to date, emphasising the educational programmes and services available. Materials will not provide false, incomplete, or misleading information.

Code of Practice

Electronic and print versions of promotional materials should:

• be reviewed frequently to ensure they are consistent and that they objectively and truthfully reflect the programmes and offerings of the institution
• provide candid and pertinent information so that students unfamiliar with practices in higher education in a particular country can make informed academic judgments
• consider and be respectful of other cultures
• make it clear how information can be verified and/or additional information can be obtained

Member institutions will contract only with agents, third-parties, individuals or organisations whose practices and behaviours conform to the CIS Code of Ethics.

Code of Practice

Member institutions using third parties in the recruitment process will:

• provide a copy of the CIS Guiding Principles and Code of Ethics
• ensure transparency, accountability and integrity between the institution, student and third party
• ensure that contracted third parties do not accept payment from students and/or their families
• not be allowed to send a third party to any CIS event to represent the institution
• monitor the practices of third parties to ensure they operate in adherence with the CIS Guiding Principles and Code of Ethics

Member institutions will not discriminate with regard to race, colour, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, political opinion, or disability. They will also endeavour to understand and protect the civil and human rights of all individuals.

Code of Practice

Member institutions should:

• maintain a high degree of multicultural awareness and be knowledgeable about and adhere to all applicable laws and statutes with respect to non-discrimination
• periodically review practices, procedures, and actual results to assure that discrimination has not occurred and is not occurring

Member institutions will establish appropriate policies governing international student recruitment, admissions, support activities, specialised programs and curricula.

Code of Practice

Institutional policies and programs dealing with students should:

• be documented
• detail all aspects of recruitment, admission, financial aid and on-campus support
• be available for review by volunteers and third-parties acting on behalf of the institution
• make certain that appropriate information and support services are provided to students in order to ensure a smooth transition to a new educational and cultural environment

Additional resources and guidance:

• The Draft Code of Professional Standards and Ethics for Education Counselling Service subscribing institutions
• The Higher Education Liaison Officers Association Code of Practice
• The Principles of Good Practice in Institutional Advertising, Student Recruitment and Representation of Accredited Status of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education
• The Guidelines for the Recruitment, Admission and Support of International Students of the National Association for College Admission Counselling
• The Principles of Ethical Practice in Overseas Education Advising of the Overseas Educational Advisers Professional Educators Group of NAFSA: the Association of International Educators
• The Rights and Responsibilities for International Students and Institutions of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
• The Code of Ethics of NAFSA: The Association of International Educators