• Respect for one another
• Cooperation
• Intellectual and spiritual growth
• Creative imaginings
• Pride in a job well done
  

Definitions of the Core Values 

Embracing the core values requires doing more than merely eliminating their opposites (e.g., respect is more than the absence of disrespect). Implementing the core values requires that we as members of the University community not only refrain from violating these values but actively seek to exemplify them in all we do.

RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER:
This core value creates a foundation for the other four values. Respect involves acknowledging the rights, needs, inherent worth, and dignity of others. Ultimately, respect means showing others that they matter to us and treating them in the ways that we would like to be treated.

Key concepts: Dignity, acknowledging worth, civility, mattering, inclusion

COOPERATION:
Cooperation means working together in pursuit of common goals. True cooperation involves the creation of partnerships that transcend boundaries, including those created by cultures and institutions. Cooperation means creating teams that pool the unique and diverse talents of all members of our learning community.

Key concepts: Community, diversity, team, partnership, working together, common goals

INTELLECTUAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
Implementing the values of respect and cooperation helps to create a climate that fosters intellectual and spiritual growth. Intellectual growth involves not only the accumulation of knowledge but also the ability to understand, synthesize, and apply that knowledge in one’s personal and academic life (and in greater society). Spiritual growth entails the creation of a community of learners who are principled thinkers striving to lead ethical, purposeful lives in a complex world. Spiritual growth involves learning to make meaning while creating a life of purpose and integrity.

Key concepts: Integrity, ethics, purpose, meaning, principled thinking, application of knowledge

CREATIVE IMAGININGS:
Creative imaginings involves generating alternate paradigms, formulating multiple perspectives on problems, creating new ideas through integrating previous learning, and experimenting with the application of new ideas. Creative imaginings also involves the ability to form new mental images of what is not actually present and to generate useful applications for these images. 

Key concepts: New ideas, multiple perspectives, experimentation with applications, alternate paradigms

PRIDE IN A JOB WELL DONE:
Pride in a job well done involves the celebration of one’s own and others’ achievements. It includes recognizing and affirming the ways we have contributed to the betterment of the University community. Pride is not arrogance but rather an appreciation of one’s own worth and the worth of others. 

Key concepts: Celebrating achievements, affirmation of self and others, appreciation of one’s worth