Code of Ethics

FIT Writing & Speaking Studio Code of Ethics
As language, technology, and social contexts evolve, so do our practices, our understanding of communication, and our responsibilities as collaborators and educators. This Code of Ethics is a living document for students, peer consultants, and faculty. Through this Code, we commit to cultivating an inclusive, adaptable, and collaborative learning environment, one that welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, beliefs, abilities, and academic backgrounds, and recognizes learning as a relational, human process. 

With each clause, we articulate our values and then provide examples to illustrate how our ethics show up in consulting sessions and classroom interactions. All examples are inspired by actual interactions, with identifying details altered to ensure anonymity.

Clause 1 
The Studio is a learning space intentionally designed to support exploration, reflection, and growth. We do not pressure students to conform to a single “correct” way of expressing themselves, whether in academic, professional, creative, or personal work. Instead, sessions prioritize intentional learning, where writers and speakers are supported in making informed, meaningful choices about their communication. 

Tutoring sessions are collaborative learning opportunities that encourage intellectual risk-taking beyond the constraints of the classroom. Consultants work alongside students as thinking partners without imposing authority. We support thoughtful engagement with differing perspectives and evolving ideas and accept the possibility of some discomfort as part of authentic learning. Within this space, experimentation and revision are recognized as essential parts of the learning process.

Consultants support students in articulating why they are making particular communication choices. That is, we practice and encourage metacognition, or the practice of reflecting on one’s own thinking, choices, and learning processes. 

Clause 2
We believe in celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity, and we are committed to learning about and practicing appreciation of and respect for different cultures, language varieties, and accents. We approach communication and language choices with curiosity, reflection, and sensitivity to context, rather than an uncritical commitment to assumed norms. As language norms, institutional expectations, and other forms of power shape communication, we invite students to question, negotiate, and engage these forces in ways that align with their goals and identities. We encourage writers and speakers to draw on their lived experiences, languages, and identities to make intentional communication choices they believe in.

Clause 3
Writing and speaking consultants recognize that students have varied and fluid learning styles. Our practices center students’ individual experience and situation, and consultants are equipped to adapt their communication and approaches to sessions to fit according to what works best for the student in that moment and their particular communication situation, strengths, and needs. Students should freely share their communication and learning strengths and needs at any time during sessions. 

Clause 4 
We see written and spoken communication as forms of thinking and discovery – processes that are dynamic and often non-linear. We aim to support students at any point in their processes–including understanding assignment guidelines or task parameters, generating ideas, revising, editing, presentation practice, and more–and we encourage students to work with us throughout the course of their projects and time at FIT. We understand how difficult it is to share work in progress and work to establish trust with each student so that discovery and progress are possible.

Clause 5 
We shape and are shaped by our campus community. Tuning in carefully to our community, we respond to and build on student and faculty interests and needs. We collaborate on programming with members of our student and professional staff and cultivate partnerships with faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues. We strive to build awareness of diverse approaches to teaching and learning and work to design and facilitate profound learning opportunities in the Studio, in classrooms, and beyond. 

Clause 6 
We support students to develop autonomy and embrace ownership of their work. We are skilled facilitators but do not claim subject matter expertise. Students are ultimately responsible for making their own decisions throughout the writing and speaking processes, as agency is crucial in building and strengthening one's communication and critical thinking skills.

Clause 7 
The Studio does not encourage the use of GenAI chatbots, especially in ways that shortcut or stunt critical thinking, discovery, or skills development. We recognize there can be ethical and productive ways to utilize GenAI, and we welcome students to share their use and perspective with us. Consultants encourage students to prioritize their learning and unique engagement and to follow their professors’ AI policies or speak with them directly about concerns.

 

Special thanks to 2026 Peer Writing and Speaking Consultants Alexa Bonacci, Abigail Koehnen, Aparna Pillai, Gargi Singh,  and Michelle Thai who worked from the excellent work of peer consultants, Molly Keane, Avery Novitch, Ashley Vargas, and Kiara Williams, co-writers of the previous Writing and Speaking Studio Code of Ethics.