A decade after Kansas State University first established its Principles of Community, those principles are getting an update.
"We had a set of principles, but almost all of the people who signed off on them are no longer at K-State," said Myra Gordon, associate provost for diversity and dual career development. "So in summer 2009 a review of those principles began, some editing took place, and now we have a revised set of Principles of Community to unveil."
"With the recent transition to a new university president and provost, it seemed an appropriate time to review and reaffirm the Principles of Community," said Ruth Dyer, senior vice provost. "These principles convey to our students, staff and faculty the values that we all have agreed are important to us as a university community. They have contributed greatly to the enhancement of a culture of inclusiveness, fair treatment and civil discourse at our institution."
The newly revised Principles of Community were revealed at last week's Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship Luncheon, "The Dreamer Speaks Again."
"To have the culminating event of the luncheon be the unveiling of our principles seems so perfect and so timely," Gordon said.
The first Principles of Community were adopted in spring 2001, according to Dyer. The original statement included five principles and the signatures of the president, provost and the presidents of the five governing bodies that are part of the university: Faculty Senate, Classified Senate, Graduate Council, Student Government Association and Graduate Student Council.
"In the updated version a new principle on the value of honor and integrity has been added, and a few modifications were made to the language of two of the other principles," Dyer said. "Rather than all the signatures that the 2001 version had, the updated version includes a notation that the five governing bodies have endorsed the Principles of Community, and the document has only the signatures of President Kirk Schulz and Provost April Mason.
The new Principles of Community statement reads:
Kansas State University is a land-grant, public research university committed to teaching and learning, research and service to the people of Kansas, the nation and the world. Our collective mission is best accomplished when every member of the university community acknowledges and practices the following principles:
* We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain an atmosphere of justice based on respect for each other.
* We affirm the value of human diversity for community.
* We affirm the right of each person to freely express thoughts and opinions in a spirit of civility and decency. We believe that diversity of views enriches our learning environment, and we promote open expression within a climate of courtesy, sensitivity and mutual respect.
* We affirm the value of honesty and integrity. We will operate with honesty in all professional endeavors and expect the same from our colleagues.
* We acknowledge that we are a part of multiple communities, and we have an obligation to be engaged in a positive way with our civic partners.
* We recognize our individual obligations to the university community and to the principles that sustain it. We will each strive to contribute to a positive spirit that affirms learning and growth for all members of the community.