Duluth Catalog 2009-2010

The UMD Student Life Creed*

The University of Minnesota Duluth is a community dedicated to fostering personal and academic growth for all of its members. We are united in this common cause, because empowering all members of the community to achieve personal and academic excellence requires order, respect, integrity, and trust. When joining the community, an individual is agreeing to live by certain ideals and strive for the level of achievement and values suggested by the following:

I will practice personal and academic integrity.

A commitment to this ideal pledges honesty in relationships and academic work. It encourages doing one’s own work, being truthful, giving credit where it is due, and being loyal in personal relationships.

I will respect the rights and property of others.

This ideal pledges respect for the personal rights of others to move about freely, express themselves appropriately, and enjoy privacy. It respects the property of individuals and the community.

I will practice personal responsibility in all manner of thought and action.

A commitment to this ideal presupposes an attitude of accountability and dependability toward others. It expects respect for the UMD society and anticipates an active participation within the community.

I will acknowledge diversity in people, ideas, and opinions and strive to learn from differences in others.

A commitment to this ideal pledges support for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals regardless of their age, sex, race, religion, disability, ethnic heritage, socioeconomic status, sexual preference, and political, social, or other affiliation or disaffiliation.

I will demonstrate caring and concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions that support their growth and development.

A commitment to this ideal is a pledge to be compassionate and considerate. It means being sensitive, hospitable, and supportive in order that all members of the UMD community are provided optimal conditions to be successful in their pursuit of academic and personal goals.

I will uphold generally accepted and respected principles of citizenship.

A commitment to this ideal is a promise to respect the welfare of the whole, understand membership privileges, and contribute to this community. It recognizes that each person is a valuable and unique community member. This community has behavioral standards to which each of us is accountable. Each of us has an affirmative obligation to confront, challenge, and respond to or report inappropriate behavior whenever and wherever encountered.

* Excerpts used with permission (The Carolinian Creed, University of South Carolina).