"We acknowledge that we are all here by choice, and as part of that choice we agree to commit ourselves to the principles that are an integral part of the goals and mission of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater."
PREAMBLE: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater faculty, staff, and students acknowledge that this institution's highest priority is an ongoing commitment to continuous enhancement of each others' intellectual and personal development. This includes dedication to open and honest exchanges of ideas; immersion in the learning experience every day; acceptance of the highest standards of personal integrity; and openness to new opportunities that will expand individual horizons.
As citizens within this community, we expect to work toward our intellectual and personal goals in a fashion which adds to the campus-wide pursuit of excellence and fosters our ability to view life as an ongoing process of education. We will collaborate to create a respectful atmosphere where the organized, thoughtful and honest pursuit of knowledge can thrive.
I. COMMITMENT TO RESPECT FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR DIFFERENCES
All members of the university community have the responsibility to demonstrate basic respect for all individuals. We communicate this respect in all aspects of behavior, including our expressed ideas, our association with others in social groups and organizations, and our interactions with others in the classroom environment. A fundamental objective of the university is increased contact with and understanding of individuals who are different from ourselves, and exposure to ideas which challenge our preconceptions.
Members of the UW-Whitewater community have a responsibility to promote and a right to expect:
II. COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL INTEGRITY
As members of the university community we are subject to the highest standards of personal integrity. Personal integrity is reflected by our respect for the dignity and privacy of others and our adherence to standards of intellectual integrity.
Members of the UW-Whitewater community have a responsibility to promote and a right to expect:
III. COMMITMENT TO A QUALITY EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Members of the UW-Whitewater community have a shared responsibility to sustain and develop the quality of the educational environment in all areas of campus life.
In curricular matters, members of the UW-Whitewater community have a responsibility to promote and a right to expect:
A positive educational environment is created when faculty and staff:
A positive educational environment is created when students:
A supportive advising relationship between a student and a faculty/staff member for assistance with on-going educational planning, appraisal of academic progress, and the pursuit of educational and personal goals. Students are expected to learn the requirements for their degrees, seek advice from faculty and staff, and accept responsibility for their decisions. Advisors should be accessible, knowledgeable about academic requirements and campus resources, and willing to help students solve problems.
Constructive feedback offered through clear, timely, non-capricious evaluation of students' ability to meet course expectations and faculty/staff members' effectiveness in the classroom. Results of evaluation processes should be available within reasonable protections of privacy.
IV. COMMITMENT TO THE QUALITY OF CAMPUS LIFE
Members of the UW-Whitewater community have a shared responsibility to sustain and develop an environment that nurtures learning and teaching. Learning is not confined to the classroom, laboratory, and library. It occurs in many contexts, including residence halls, student organizations, service learning experiences, and staff development. In this community, we learn from a variety of people -- faculty, professional staff, and students.
Members of UW-Whitewater community have a responsibility to promote and a right to expect:
We acknowledge that we are all here by choice, and as part of that choice we agree to commit ourselves to the principles that are an integral part of the goals and mission of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
This document expresses a philosophy which supports the policies and processes of the University. The following resources state specific policies of the university:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status, and pregnancy.