Inside Iowa State

Feb. 9, 2007

Principles approved

President Gregory Geoffroy recently approved "The Principles of Community," a document consisting of six ideals that are intended to foster a welcoming climate at Iowa State.

The document, inspired by the Government of the Student Body, lays out principles of community life and includes such ideals as freedom from discrimination, honest and respectful expression of ideas and recognition of the richness of diversity as part of the university experience.

The principles originally were drafted by a GSB-appointed commission and endorsed by various campus groups. Geoffroy sought comments and suggestions on the principles during the fall semester.

"I'm grateful to the GSB Principles Commission and everyone who contributed to this document," Geoffroy said. "It is an affirmation of the kind of community we aspire to create at Iowa State."

"The Principles of Community" is online.

The Principles of Community

Respect: We seek to foster an open-minded understanding among individuals, organizations and groups. We support this understanding through outreach, increasing opportunities for collaboration, formal education programs and strategies for resolving disagreement.

Purpose: We are encouraged to be engaged in the university community. Thus, we strive to build a genuine community that promotes the advancement of knowledge, cooperation and leadership.

Cooperation: We recognize that the mission of the university is enhanced, when we work together to achieve the goals of the university. Therefore, we value each member of the Iowa State University community for his or her insights and efforts, collective and individual, to enhance the quality of campus life.

Freedom from discrimination: We recognize that we must strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society. Therefore, we commit ourselves to create and maintain a community in which all students, staff, faculty and administrators can work together in an atmosphere free from discrimination, and to respond appropriately to all acts of discrimination.

Honest and respectful expression of ideas: We affirm the right to and the importance of a free exchange of ideas at Iowa State University within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity and respect. We work together to promote awareness of various ideas through education and constructive strategies to consider and engage in honest disagreements.

Richness of Diversity: We recognize and cherish the richness of diversity in our university experience. Furthermore, we strive to increase the diversity of ideas, cultures and experiences throughout the university community.

The GSB Principles Commission formally endorsed approval of the aforementioned principles on Thursday, February 16, 2006

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy recently approved The Principles of Community. The principles originally were drafted by a commission appointed by the Government of the Student Body and subsequently were endorsed by various campus groups. Geoffroy sought comments and suggestions on the principles during fall semester.

"I'm grateful to the GSB Principles Commission and everyone who contributed to this document. It is an affirmation of the kind of community we aspire to create at Iowa State."

President Gregory L. Geoffroy