The notion of online civility is not new, but I want us to think about our role in this virtual environment. Civility starts with all of us. Communication and behaving in a civil way is a choice we make every day. Let us all think about ways to continue promoting a kind, supportive, and welcoming community through our screens and in our face-to-face encounters.
When we look at the collective results of the strengthsfinder for the class of 2024 and 2025, we learned that the majority of the top five strengths fall within relationship-building themes. This suggests that our undergraduates are restorative, have empathy for others, and are deeply connected to peers. What this tells me is that there is a spirit of care and concern that is foundational to our undergraduate student community and I hope that each of you will take seriously the importance of caring for yourselves and others even when faced with different opinions, ideas, backgrounds, and experiences. Below find strategies each of us can use to promote the values of Simmons Sharks.
- Know your triggers—the words, actions, and gestures that make you angry. Knowing your triggers helps you monitor and manage your reactions. You can't control what others do or say, but you can control your response.
- Assess your behavior. What do you do to contribute to civility or incivility? Ask a trusted friend for feedback here.
- Don't jump to conclusions or assume you know another person's intent or motive.
- When rumors or gossip come your way, let them go in one ear and out the other.
- Resist looking for someone to blame. Remember that in many cases, a problem reflects a systemic shortcoming, not an individual's.
- Before you post, try viewing your potential comments through the lens of a current or future supervisor, student, legislator, or client
- And most importantly, treat others the way that you would like to be treated.
Each of us has an important responsibility as members of the Simmons community both on the ground and online; it is well outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. In fact, our Student Code of Conduct states that "Simmons students should conduct themselves with personal integrity and respect the rights, differences, and dignity of others (including, but not limited to, in-person and online) (section 5)”.
These policies direct us in any action, discussions, or community meetings we may host to educate and support community members. We encourage you all to take personal responsibility and to report any actions that you believe are contrary to the values of our community. Most importantly, please recognize that this has been a challenging time for all of us and it is important to give grace and show compassion to one another and to engage in direct, yet productive conversations when we disagree or need more clarity.
Renique Kersh, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
