The Graduate College is guided by the common values of community, life-long learning, scholarship, creativity and innovation, diversity and civility, collaboration, financial responsibility and continuous improvement. We also recognize and value the diversity of communication, personal interaction and management styles that exist within our school community. While being cognizant that our diversity may influence communication style and personal interactions, we are committed to fairness and honesty in all of our interactions and to treating one another with civility, in a manner that embraces, respects, and fosters trust and open communication.
Definition of Civility
Civility is behavior that demonstrates consistent respect for others, including an effort to understand differences. Civility helps to create an environment within the Graduate College where all are valued and can be productive.
Policy on Civility
Within the Graduate College community, we value civility and seek to create an environment where all are valued and can be productive. This includes, but is not limited to, a respect for differences. The caliber of the instruction, the quality of life of our students, and the quality of the work life of our staff and faculty drive the quality of the educational experiences at Hampton University.
Working to foster a civil community includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following. We will:
- Be courteous towards fellow colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Disruptive, discourteous, and/or insubordinate conduct will not be tolerated.
- Share ideas, raise questions, and express differences of opinion in a civil manner without fear of reprisal, insult, or denigration.
- Listen respectfully while others share their ideas, allowing the speaker to complete his or her thoughts, and be open to considering new approaches.
- Be sensitive to the impact of tone, language, and content of our communication, including electronic communication.
- Treat everyone equitably and with respect, regardless of their title, and maintain the same expectations for civility regardless of position, perceived power, rank, or authority.
Guidelines
- Students, staff, and faculty who are part of the Graduate College community are encouraged to address civility concerns about another student, staff, or faculty member at the point of origin because issues are often resolved easiest and fastest at that level. Direct resolution of problems may foster a deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
- There may be times when students, staff, and faculty may not feel comfortable addressing a concern directly. In such instances, they are encouraged to bring the concern to the attention of the appropriate Graduate College personnel.
- A student, staff, or faculty member may bring an issue forward and request confidentiality, if there is no legal obligation for Hampton University to address the concern. Confidentiality can limit the extent of any action because it may not be possible to address the incident without breaching confidentiality.
- Students can bring their concerns regarding student, staff, or faculty civility/breaches of conduct to the attention of their program coordinator or the Vice President for Student Affairs.
- Staff and faculty can bring their concerns regarding staff or faculty civility/breaches of conduct to the attention of their supervisor and/or the head of Human Resources. Staff and faculty concerns regarding students should be brought to the attention of the department head or the school dean.
- Such concerns, where applicable, will be addressed under the terms of the Faculty and Student Handbooks and the Code of Conduct.
Adapted from policy developed by the Johns Hopkins School of Education.