PROLOGUE

 As a result of having a group of individuals united by purpose and proximity, each encounter and each resulting decision should move toward constructing a framework where personal interests and goals can be strengthened and where the collective rights of the community can be affirmed.  Community is not an end, but rather a means to self-fulfillment; community is a shared journey, not a singular destination.   It is this goal that is explored each year at summer orientation so that respect and personal affirmation can remain central to educational purpose.

I affirm the following principles of community interaction and commitment to civility.

I will protect the safety of both persons and property.

A commitment to this ideal actively engages in practices that safeguard the personal and property rights of others.  It assures that property is used only with expressed consent and rejects conditions that place property and persons in jeopardy.  It rejects misuse of installed safety and security devices and further safeguards personal and public property, so that both are used in the manner intended.  It further rejects intimidation of, threats to and unfounded innuendo about persons. It rejects physical violence of all types, both physical and electronic, while at the same time pledging to care for those believed to be in harm's way

I will safeguard personal integrity.

A commitment to this ideal promises loyalty and fidelity in relationships.  It exhibits sportsmanship in competition and gives credit to the accomplishments of others. It affirms the protection of personal privacy and categorically rejects physical and emotional abuse, electronic piracy and other actions that compromise personal integrity.  It rejects cheating, deception and plagiarism whether by commission or omission and assures the submission of academic work based on the ideals of honor.  It acknowledges that others can expect me to do class assignments without unauthorized assistance and not knowingly lead others to jeopardize their academic standing.  It affirms that I will maintain confidences to which I am privileged, and encourage others to do the same. 

I will safeguard the practice of free and open expression without ridicule

A commitment to this ideal rejects actions of persons or groups in any public or cyber form that otherwise denigrate, taunt, insult or harass another person or group. It seeks to actively promote tolerance and affirms persons regardless of difference in appearance, manner, ideas, culture, ethnic heritage, lifestyle preference or classroom and staged performance.  It affirms the inherent privilege of personal beliefs and allows for open expression of those beliefs in a manner that does not otherwise detract from or eschew the beliefs of others.

I will maintain respect for the dignity of each person.

A commitment to this ideal offers consideration for the rights and feelings of others.  It rejects direct or covert pressure to do or say anything that is contrary to the ethical decisions of others and further refrains from acting in a manner that is potentially destructive or disruptive to the formation of community.  It means honoring human dignity and rejects acting in such a way as to promote personal gain at the expense of others. It especially avoids behaviors that otherwise prejudge persons or groups, especially on appearance, color, manner, ethnic and religious heritage, or lifestyle preference.

I will maintain personal accountability for my decisions and choices.

A commitment to this ideal assumes acceptance of responsibility for living in such a way that does not disrupt the community process, injure or offend other persons or groups, or violate standards that serve as the guiding principles for community development. It affirms truthfulness even if those affirmations cast aspersion on personal responsibility.  It further pledges to respect the responsibility of college officials or other persons seeking to promote the ideals of community, and assures cooperation without rebuke or aspersion.

I will accept the laws of responsible citizenship.

A commitment to this ideal acknowledges that the college society exists as a part of a larger community.  It strives for compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other ordinances of federal or local origin. It celebrates healthful living and avoids subjecting others to the second hand effects of unlawful choices including unlawful use of alcohol and other drugs.