Ethics + Choice = Character
Ethics - The way our core values are translated into behaviors. Our ethics are formed in community as we learn from each other what behaviors are expected of a good member of the community. Honesty and truth-telling are two of the most important values of every community. If we cannot trust each other to do what we say we are going to do, the community falls apart.
Choice - The decisions we make every day about what actions we are going to take. The gift of autonomy, the ability to make sense of our world and make choices that help us live a meaningful life, is what makes us human. As we choose, we are often faced with a choice between short-term pleasure (going to the park) and long term-pleasure (turning in a well-written paper). Those who study human nature remind us that only as we choose actions that contribute to long-term pleasure will we create a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Character - As we make choices over and over, we form habits. As we look at the 2008-2009 economic meltdown in the United States, many of the problems were caused by people either outright lying to each other or bending and shading the truth so making good decisions became impossible. While cutting corners on an academic assignment may not seem like a big deal, every choice you make defines your character: who you are as a human being.
As you are a student and contributor to the University of Phoenix learning community, you will have many opportunities to choose either an ethical path of action or an unethical path of action. When you are tired, pressured, frustrated, or behind in your work, your character will be tested. In those times of testing, you can either shortchange yourself by not doing your own work or take the time and effort needed to increase your knowledge and your confidence.
An education will equip you to be a contributing member of the larger community. As you have confidence that your knowledge and skills have increased, upon graduation you will be able to take on new challenges and opportunities.

Values + Action = Ethics
Values - Things we believe are important or have worth. As a student at the University of Phoenix, you probably have two core values. First, you want a degree that will open up opportunities for you. Second, you want to increase your knowledge and develop skills that will make you more effective in your work and your life.
Action - The decisions we make as to