/Institutions/Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods-College/json/2019-2020/Code-of-Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities-local.json

/Institutions/Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods-College/json/2019-2020/Code-of-Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities.json

Section 1: Vison, Mission, and Values

Vision Statement

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College embodies a spirit of student-centered academic innovation, faith and leadership to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.

Mission Statement

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College empowers students to think critically, engage in lifelong leadership and effect positive change in a spirit of service and social responsibility.

Value Statement

In our relationships and all that we do, we will demonstrate a commitment to the Sisters of Providence and to these values:

• Social Justice
• Spirituality
• Sustainability
• Women’s Issues

Diversity Statement

The committee recommended a diversity statement be implemented and honored. The statement reads as follows:

As a matter of institutional priority, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College strives to be an inclusive environment in which faculty members, staff, students and the greater community are respected and embraced regardless of variations in thoughts, experiences, values and traditions. As an academic institution, we foster a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. Founded as a Roman Catholic institution and able to draw on the Greek root of the word catholic meaning “universal,” we cultivate this heritage to develop a strong, respectful and trusting environment for students, faculty and staff. Recognizing the sacredness of humanity, we revere the beauty in all gifts and talents.

We believe that diversity, as a multifaceted and a naturally valuable asset, aims to broaden and deepen both the educational experience and the scholarly environment, as students and faculty learn to interact effectively with each other, preparing them to engage as active citizens in an increasingly complex, multicultural and pluralistic society. We believe that diversity encompasses the awareness and celebration of the many identities that make up our community including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, religious or spiritual affinity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic class, age, cultural background, language, differing abilities and region of origin. We acknowledge, respect and celebrate our differences.

In a world where the pursuit of safety and well-being are central, we foster a commitment to social justice and confrontation of discrimination and ultimately uphold human dignity for all. We intentionally work toward understanding, respecting and appreciating diversity by increasing our awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions. In doing so, we move beyond tolerance to understanding, accepting and celebrating our differences.

We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as key characteristics of our campus community and beliefs, to increase the diversity of all parts of our College community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts and to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community. Our commitment to these principles is an integral part of our mission, values and daily activities.

College Motto

The Latin, “Virtus cum Scientia,” translated as “Virtue with Knowledge United,” appears on the SMWC seal and coat of arms. Chosen by SMWC foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, this motto embodies this liberal arts institution’s faithfulness to Catholic values and excellence in academics.

Civility Statement

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College defines civility as being respectful to others regardless of race, creed, disability, political ideology, lifestyle orientation, gender, or social status. Personal conduct should be guided by honesty, integrity, and respect, embracing the differences of others, and engaging in civic opportunities that will effect positive change in our global society.

Community

The community of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is comprised of several distinct groups including students, faculty, staff, and by extension the Sisters of Providence with whom we share the campus. Within this community, personal freedoms and responsibilities are valued highly. At times, these two values can be in conflict with each other. It is the responsibility of the individual and the group to recognize that each person plays a role in creating an environment that fosters respect for each other while at the same time encourages individual expression. The rights of the individual must be balanced with those of the community to help create a vibrant and open atmosphere for learning and growth.

This community values the personal relationships that our members have with each other and with those from outside our campus community. We have a right to have family and friends visit the campus and we have a responsibility to welcome those visitors to our community. As such, we expect our guests to abide by the policies of the College and to act in a manner that is consistent with our values and mission. It is expected that all members of the community and guests will act appropriately while in public areas of the campus and will reserve intimate contact and behavior for the most private spaces on campus.