All psychology students should be aware of Section 7.04, Student Disclosure of Personal Information, in the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002). This section states:

Psychologists do not require students or supervisees to disclose personal information in course- or program-related activities, either orally or in writing, regarding sexual history, history of abuse and neglect, psychological treatment, and relationships with parents, peers, and spouses or significant others except if

(1) the program or training facility has clearly identified this requirement in its admissions and program materials or

(2) the information is necessary to evaluate or obtain assistance for students whose personal problems could reasonably be judged to be preventing them from performing their training- or professionally related activities in a competent manner or posing a threat to the students or others.

The School of Psychology at Fielding Graduate University places considerable value on personal exploration, requiring students to self-reflect and to be self-aware. As a result, it is the expectation that students will disclose personal information as part of their participation in the doctoral program in psychology. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact the Associate Dean for Student Development in the School of Psychology.

Related Policies/Links

• Student Complaint and Grievance Procedure
• APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002) document

Policy Effective 06/01/2003