It is encouraging that Ithaca College is ahead of the curve when it comes to offering its business students a course in ethics. In today’s economic crisis, when the Bernie Madoffs are grabbing headlines and American industries are tanking, it is crucial to offer students heading into the business sector positive tools to succeed and create their own moral base.

Students are urged to take their ethics education seriously. This includes staying informed, reading the news and knowing what is going on, so as to create context for ethics discussions. This also applies to more than just students of the School of Business, though. Everyone, regardless of major or future career aspirations, should have a solid foundation in ethics. It is true that a person cannot be made ethical after one semester and one course, but at least students will be given the tools.

The business school is now in the forefront of ethics education, but limiting the curriculum to one class won’t keep the college there for long. Given the urgent need for more ethical practices in the business and finance world, more than one course in ethics should be offered. The school is smart to make the class a requirement for students to graduate, but even more exposure and discussion would be beneficial. Perhaps the teaching of ethics should be included in the new model for integrative learning, offering students the chance to not only take specific business-related courses, but also to pull from the philosophy department’s resources to make sure they are given a well-rounded education in ethics.

The call for more ethics training also goes out to other majors. All schools should re-evaluate how ethics is taught and consider whether it is effective. Ethics affects the entire campus community in this current recession. Today, immoral practices have started in the banking sector, moved to the housing market and are now invading other industries. It is in times of crisis that it is easiest for people to lose sight of ethical foundations, which is all the more reason that higher education should emphasize it. The college is encouraged to continue this discussion and to provide students with a strong moral base before they enter the professional world — where it will undoubtedly be tested.