Statement of Shared Values

Boise State University is committed to personal and social development, educational excellence, and civic engagement. Membership in the campus community is a privilege and requires its members to conduct themselves ethically with integrity and civility. Campus community members enjoy the same rights and freedoms that all U.S. citizens enjoy, including personal responsibility for one’s own conduct, behavior and speech.

In a culture of intellectual inquiry and debate, where the search for knowledge and discovery flourish, campus community members are expected to demonstrate civility, abide by norms of decorum, and adhere to the principles of civil discourse. “Being civil means being constantly aware of others and weaving restraint, respect and consideration into the very fabric of this awareness,” (Forni, 2002, p. 9).

Higher education has the duty to educate students to be responsible citizens. Boise State strives to provide a culture of civility and success where all feel safe and free from discrimination, harassment, threats or intimidation.

Boise State University upholds the following values as the foundation for a civil and nurturing environment. Campus community members are expected to adhere to these common values.

• Academic Excellence – engage in our own learning and participate fully in the academic community’s pursuit of knowledge.
• Caring – show concern for the welfare of others.
• Citizenship – uphold civic virtues and duties that prescribe how we ought to behave in a self-governing community by obeying laws and policies, volunteering in the community, and staying informed on issues.
• Fairness – expect equality, impartiality, openness and due process by demonstrating a balanced standard of justice without reference to individual bias.
• Respect – treat people with dignity regardless of who they are and what they believe. A respectful person is attentive, listens well, treats others with consideration and doesn’t resort to intimidation, coercion or violence to persuade.
• Responsibility – take charge of our choices and actions by showing accountability and not shifting blame or taking improper credit. We will pursue excellence with diligence, perseverance, and continued improvement.
• Trustworthiness – demonstrate honesty in our communication and conduct while managing ourselves with integrity and reliability.

Forni, P.M. (2002). Choosing civility: The twenty-five rules of considerate conduct. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin.
Josephson, M. (2002). Making ethical decisions. Los Angeles: Josephson Institute of Ethics.