"Pioneer Pledge" To Replace College Creed

The Marietta College Creed may be getting a completely new face next year.  A new “Pledge” has been proposed to replace the Creed currently in use.  If President Jean Scott approves the changes, the new pledge could be ready for Matriculation this fall.

The proposed changes have been in development for five semesters.  A faculty member on the campus life committee showed how a similar pledge at another university helped make them stronger and give them an identity.

Vlad Grecu, a senior and member of the campus life committee, believes that the proposed Pledge could have the same effect on Marietta College students.  “More than anything, it gives identification to what a Marietta College student is.  It shows what character we want to show through the people in our college.”

The current Creed is lengthy compared to the proposed Pledge (both are included below).  The Pledge tries to highlight the most important values desired in Marietta students and the faculty, according to the committee.  By being more broad and open, they hope it conveys a “thou-shall” idea in peoples’ minds as opposed to a “thou-shall-not” idea often perceived in the Creed.

Some students wonder if a change is necessary.  Ryan Gontero, a freshman, doesn’t think he really knows much about the Creed.  “If I knew what the current Creed was, I would have a better time judging if the pledge is better.  Either way, the college should publicize it more.”

The Creed is currently not available directly from the Marietta College website.  The Nine Core Values, which are different from the Creed, are also getting reviewed for possible revision later this year.

Dr. Robert Pastoor, the new Dean of Students, has worked with the campus life committee since his arrival.  He is ready to get student’s reaction to the proposed changes.  “The purpose of the pledge is to encourage students to the best that they can be and hold themselves to a higher standard.”

If the Pledge meets to approval of the students and faculty, it will be up to the President to finalize the changes.  The current plan is to have incoming freshman sign the Pledge at Matriculation.  It hasn’t been determined if current Marietta students will be required to sign to the Pledge or what would happen to students who refused to sign.

If you have thoughts of comments about the proposed changes, you are encouraged to post comments on writingonthemall or talk to one of your student senators.

The Student Creed

The Marietta College Creed is the mechanism designed to implement the standards of conduct, as described throughout this handbook, for the Marietta College student community.

Statement of Principle

The mission of Marietta College “is to provide students with an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to critical analysis, problem solving, and the leadership skills required to translate what is learned into effective action.”  Students at Marietta College are both citizens and members of the academic community.  As citizens, students enjoy the freedoms of speech, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition.  However, as members of the academic community, they are subject to certain obligations which accrue to them by virtue of this membership.  The success of an academic community in a residential setting depends upon the willingness of individuals to associate together in such a way that individual freedom and responsible order coexist.  As a socially responsible academic community, Marietta College seeks a structure within which individual freedom may flourish without jeopardizing the requirements of an academic community and without becoming so self-centered that the resulting environment damages the very freedom it was intended to support.  The College will seek representative input from students affected in changing or initiating any student life policy.  This Creed balances the rights and responsibilities of the individual and of others, and of the College.  It also recognizes that rights and responsibilities are separate entities, yet one cannot exist without the other.  To promote the fullest learning by everyone within the community of this campus, principles that support these goals must be adhered to.  The principles outlined in the Creed describe the rights and responsibilities of which each community member must be aware.

Academic Dishonesty

Dishonesty within the academic community is a very serious matter, because dishonesty destroys the basic trust necessary for a healthy educational environment.  Academic dishonesty is any treatment or representation of work as if one were fully responsible for it when it is in fact the work of another person. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, theft or improper manipulation of laboratory or research data or theft of services.  A substantiated case of academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action, including a failing grade on the project, or failing grade in the course, or expulsion from the College. In cases of suspected academic dishonesty, the instructor is advised to consult with his or her department chair and, if deemed necessary, with the Provost.  If it is determined that academic dishonesty has occurred, it is the responsibility of the instructor to notify the Provost and the Dean of Students of any penalties which have been applied.  Those offices will keep a record which may guide action in case of another offense in the future. Students have the right to appeal any penalties imposed for academic dishonesty in accordance with the Academic Grievance procedures described on pages 41-43.

Social Responsibility

A. Preamble

Marietta College recognizes the duality of human beings, as individuals and social beings.  In its day-to-day operations it attempts to foster an atmosphere conducive to personal, social, and intellectual growth.  It is the belief of the College that growth in these areas is interdependent. Growth is facilitated by personal freedom.  As a community, it is the responsibility of the College to promote that freedom.  By choosing to become a member of the community the individual accepts the responsibility of ensuring the College is unhindered in its efforts to fulfill its obligation.  Central to this individual responsibility is recognition of the personal freedom to which each member of the community is entitled. The objectives of the College are best achieved when energy and resources are not consumed by issues such as discipline.  To avoid such difficulties, the College expects its individual members to exercise self-discipline in their associations with others and their activities within the community.

B. Personal Integrity and Self-Respect

The College has as its primary goal the maintenance of an educational community.  The actions of individuals, grounded in self-respect and performed with integrity, form the basis for this community.  Respect of self is evidenced in actions which protect the integrity of mind and body.  Avoidance of morally and physically corrupting actions, including dishonesty and substance abuse, is expected of each member of the community.

C. Respect for the Rights and Concerns of Others

The College believes that among its primary goals are the personal, social, and intellectual growth of members of the community.  It is expected that the actions of the students will reflect a personal investment in and commitment to the achievement of these goals.  In support of these expectations the College provides education, leadership, and counseling.

D. Respect for the Functioning and the Property of the College

It is expected that all students will conduct themselves in a manner which fulfills the purpose of the College.  Unreasonable interference with students, faculty, or staff in the performance of their studies or duties, or the abuse of an individual or College property is unacceptable.

Pioneer Pledge

Honesty

I will always communicate truthfully and respectfully with all members of the Marietta College Community.

Integrity

I will always hold myself to the highest moral and ethical principles both personally and academically.

Responsibility

I will take responsibility for all my decisions, and will challenge others to make decisions that put the community’s best interest at the forefront, while holding them accountable for the decisions that they make.

Respect

I will treat each individual on campus with respect, and learn to appreciate the differences that make each individual and culture within our community unique.

Engagement

I will be active within our community to make a positive difference, and to help serve those who are taking a positive initiative to better the lives of others.

I understand this pledge and agree to abide by its contents and principles and to uphold the standards and values described within.  I acknowledge that breaking my word and failing to follow this pledge can lead to possible sanctions though the College judicial process.

This article was written by Dave Hood, a student taking Media Writing Two at Marietta College.  Look for more articles from the class to appear on Writing on the Mall in the coming weeks.  If you are interested in writing for Writing on the Mall, please e-mail patrick_h at writingonthemall dot net.