For members of the university community, being a Monarch is taking on new meaning.

A committee of students, faculty and staff, chaired by Dana D. Burnett, vice president for student services, has developed the “Monarch Creed,” which it is proposing as a model of conduct for the campus community.

“The creed tells us in an affirmative way how we should behave in the academic community, as well as how to treat others,” Burnett said.

The idea for a creed came from the Building Community Student Life Team. Composed of students, faculty and student life administrators, the team works to foster a sense of community within the university by supporting campus traditions and celebrations, promoting the success of academic and organizational clubs and providing opportunities that enhance students’ academic and social integration into the university.

According to Karen O. Clifford, vice chair of the Creed Committee, the team was seeking ways to build community and promote civility among students and “agreed that a creed would support the university’s purpose and reflect what it means to be a Monarch.”

The creed is spelled out below:

Make personal and academic integrity fundamental in all my endeavors;
Offer service to the university and the community;
Nurture a climate of care, concern and civility for others;
Accept responsibility for all of my actions;
Respect the dignity, rights and property of all people;
Commit to the ongoing pursuit of intellectual and personal development;
Heighten my awareness of individual and cultural differences and similarities.

The Monarch Creed was introduced to incoming freshmen this year at Preview, as well as to colleges at the university and all divisions within Student Services. The Honor Council is making presentations about the creed to those who request it.

“The reaction to the creed has been well received,” said Burnett. “Students have reacted positively, the Honor Council has embraced it and some of our faculty have decided to include it in their courses.”