We are members of an intellectual community that shares fundamental values. The University is OPEN; the open and free exchange of ideas is fundamental to a culture of academic excellence. The University promotes the UNDERSTANDING of diverse view points, and RESPECT for all people, their diverse backgrounds and opinions. And we believe that all students, faculty and staff are entitled to work and study in an environment in which they feel SAFE, free from harassment or danger.
Liberal arts colleges welcome diversity, free speech and the free exchange of ideas. Good classes are sometimes filled with passionate disagreement about important things. Further, the intellectual community always seeks to foster the virtues and characteristics of intelligence, curiosity, discipline, creativity, integrity, clear expression and the desire to learn from others.
Diversity enriches the educational experience. We learn from those whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own, and these lessons can be taught best in a richly diverse intellectual and social environment. Diversity challenges stereotyped preconceptions; it encourages critical thinking; and it helps students learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.
Education within a diverse setting prepares students to become good citizens in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society; it fosters mutual respect and teamwork; and it helps build communities whose members are judged by the quality of their character and their contributions. It enhances America's economic competitiveness. At UNG we are committed to preparing our students to be leaders for a diverse and global society.
UNG is committed to maintaining a working and study environment free of objectionable and disrespectful conduct. All members of the university community must be able to pursue their goals, educational needs and working lives without intimidation or injury generated by intolerance or harassment.