The phrases contained in the vision statement represent the collective work of scores of faculty, staff, students, and external partners of the College. Underpinning these concise statements are the provocative thoughts and emotions of those who participated in their creation. To merely present the words does not begin to portray the vibrance and enthusiasm with which they were written. It is hoped that the following companion piece will begin to bring the statement alive for you and induce excitement for the possibilities which are ours.

WE VALUE . . .

Management literature emphatically states that clear and effective articulation of organizational values is critical to organizational success. The values identified here reflect characteristics of the culture we choose for our College. These values will be echoed in our attitudes, our behaviors, and our reward system.

. . . organizational dynamics that respond to changing needs.

We pledge ourselves to streamlining, removing roadblocks and unproductive barriers, and becoming a more agile organization with the flexibility required to meet the rapid changes which challenge us. We assert that we value and will develop the ability to anticipate what is needed, to become proactive rather than reactive, and to stretch our ability to perform. We will be a learning organization and develop a sustainable process for ongoing renewal.

. . . mutual respect for diversity of thought and experience.

We pledge ourselves to nurture diversity because it is the right thing to do. There is power to be found in those who see and sense differently -- who learn differently and solve problems differently. We fundamentally believe that by nurturing diversity we will find better solutions and make greater discoveries.

We adopt a posture of inclusivity rather than exclusivity. We commit ourselves to bring all the voices to the table rather than just the usual voices of the traditionally influential. We will incorporate into our culture respect for, teamwork with, and productivity among the full range of the diverse clients we serve.

. . . unbiased information used to creatively solve problems.

A relentless devotion to acquiring and sharing unbiased, replicable knowledge is truly the hallmark of a great university. This is the fundamental reason people continue to believe and trust in colleges like ours. We pledge an unwavering commitment to this noble ideal.

. . . teamwork among ourselves and with our partners.

It is clear that the new order demands that we create teams of experts to pull together to solve complex problems, enabling us to realize potential not attainable when operating in isolation. A team approach will become the way of doing business within the College -- across the various departments, as well as between colleges on this campus and between other campuses. Likewise, we will partner with those external to the College, from the inception of ideas, through the conduct of the work, to the assessment and dissemination of results.

. . . accountability to current and future generations.

We embrace the opportunity to be accountable to those we serve. In collaboration with our partners we will make the difficult decisions about the use of our resources to achieve the levels of excellence demanded by our clients.

We must proactively collect measures of performance that allow us to assess quality. We must be willing to publicly display such measures and to gather them routinely, over time, so that we can make and reward continuous improvement.

. . . lifelong learning and discovery of knowledge.

We commit ourselves to stand by those we serve, even after they graduate from our programs or complete our extension work, to help them develop skills for perpetual learning. We must tailor instructional programs to what people need, want, and from which they can profit. We no longer assume that lifelong learning is to be nurtured only through extension programs. All departments and units of the College must accept the responsibility to help others to grow and develop throughout their lives.

. . . employees and their job satisfaction.

We believe that our College is staffed by employees who are dedicated to their jobs. Dedication begins and ends with satisfaction, opportunities for personal growth, a desire to help others grow, and a sense of contribution and fulfillment. We will establish a culture where employees feel that they matter and that their work makes a difference.

. . . excellence and integrity.

These are the foundations on which our efforts stand. We will aggressively define, measure, and reward excellence so that our aspiations are achieved. We realize that public and professional respect and esteem rests upon integrity in all that we do.

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