University of Southern Maine

Commitment to Civility

The concepts of community and social justice are central to the mission and philosophy of the USM CONHP. Faculty, students, staff are committed to promoting a healthy and just environment that supports transformative learning, academic integrity, open communication, and personal and professional growth among the diverse members of our academic community. We believe that these commitments are grounded in intellectual openness, in personal and professional accountability, and in the democratic values of inclusivity and mutual respect which are guided by rational discourse and by a relational ethic of care.

We are grateful for the opportunities to learn and work with peoples of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, political, social, and economic backgrounds as well as with people who are disabled and people of different gender, sexual orientation, and age. Acknowledging the ethics and values that underlie the health professions, it is our belief that these ethics and values should be recognized, practiced and cultivated in our learning and work environments. Our goal is to increase the awareness of students, staff, and faculty to the importance of civility, its implications, and the behaviors that are acceptable and not acceptable in our learning community.

Civility is the art of treating others, as well as ourselves, with respect, dignity, and care. Civility is apparent when we are sensitive to the impact that our communications, practices and behaviors have on others, and when we acknowledge each person's self-worth and unique contributions to the community as a whole.

As members of the College, we are committed to learning and practicing in ways that support a caring and socially just community. The following are examples of how we create and sustain civility.

1. Support the autonomy and just treatment of self and others by facilitating an open, respectful, and caring environment.
   
2. Accept responsibility and accountability for one's own behavior when interacting with students, faculty, and staff.
   
3. Respect and protect the rights and property of others.
   
4. Speak or behave in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with the learning or work of others.
   
5. Practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others.
   
6. Demonstrate respect for others by actively discouraging prejudice, bias, bigotry, violence, coercion or intimidation against any member of the academic community.
   
7. Demonstrate a willingness to listen and be open to hearing the perspectives of others. This includes actively seeking to hear from and making a safe space for voices of dissent.
   
8. Explore controversial issues through open dialogue and respectful deliberation.
   
9. Respect freedom of expression while recognizing that such tolerance does not require agreement with expressed ideas.
   
10. Engage institutional resources and persons to resolve conflict when necessary.

We will not tolerate disrespectful or abusive speech and or disruptive behavior from individuals or groups. Everyone has the responsibility to foster a safe and supportive learning and work environment. This can include any individual asking others to stop disrespectful or abusive speech and or disruptive behavior. Collectively, faculty, staff and students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive learning and work environment.

Approved 3/24/05 conhp faculty meeting (j704)

^ top