CORE VALUES WORK SUMMARY

Fiscal Year 2022-2023

The Core Values Committee, established on October 6, 2023, embarked on a mission to uphold and promote our Core Values. Recognizing the importance of focused efforts, the committee determined that it would be advantageous to divide into four subcommittees: Our Learners Come First, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), Health and Well-Being Matter, and the Visibility Committee.

The committee, comprising dedicated individuals from various backgrounds, initiated comprehensive research to gain insights and enhance their understanding of the University’s Core Values. They launched a survey, invited key stakeholders to meetings, and reviewed current data available to them. This feedback played a vital role in informing the committee's recommended action items and strategies for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year.

The subcommittee titled "Our Learners Come First" prioritizes the educational experience of learners and aims to create an environment that supports their growth, development, and success. Staff, faculty, and students worked together to develop a Student Engagement Program that will hold student focus group listening sessions which will launch in Fall 2023. All students will be invited to participate in different modalities and the feedback will be shared with key stakeholders in student and academic services.

The DEIB subcommittee places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The group discussed professional development opportunities and other activities that promote an inclusive campus. They will continue to collaborate with other key stakeholders across the campus to support this work in the upcoming year.

Recognizing the significance of holistic well-being, the Health and Well-Being Matter subcommittee focuses on promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. They launched a Wellness Activity Survey and the Kickback Corner, an in-person (Hatch Library) and digital resource hub for wellness education and activities. Based on the survey results, they have put together an action plan that will launch when everyone returns to campus in August.

The Visibility Committee endeavors to go beyond effectively communicating and celebrating the committee's efforts and accomplishments. It also aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the staff and faculty within the community. In the past year, they launched Hatch Library Research Padlet for books and materials that relate to each Core Value of the Month, brought Core Values banners to our campuses, and created two award programs to highlight staff and faculty: the monthly Golden Compass Award and the annual Core Values Award.

Looking ahead, the Core Values Committee and its subcommittees have set ambitious goals for the upcoming year. They aim to implement the recommended action items derived from their research and feedback collection. By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, the committee seeks to make significant progress in advancing the Core Values.