Bringing Civility Back

to the College CampusDR. BARBARA A. COPENHAVER BAILEYWVASPA / WVAEOPPNOVEMBER 2015

What is Civility?

Polite, reasonable, and respectful behavior

- Merriam Webster Dictionary

Lack of Civility TodayRespect IssuesRoad RagePolitics

Campus Civility Campaign

Buy in and support of administration Organized plan Campus-wide planning

o Must include students / student governmento Must include faculty/academic affairs

Kickoff Event

Create a Civility PlanDevelop a “civility statement” for the

InstitutionEstablish goals & objectivesEstablish expectations

oDepartmentsoOfficesoPersonal

Communication Press ReleaseKickoff celebrationMake visibleEstablish way to keep campaign energized

- consider monthly themes- regular civility events- office/organizations/dept sponsoring booth/tents

Make VisibleInstitution’s websiteCivility Campaign websiteNew student OrientationNew employee OrientationSyllabi – have “civility statement” required to be on each syllabus

Print materials – recruitment, development, etc.Posters, flyers, flags, pictures, postcards

ChallengesConsequences

Must have Must be

communicated Fit the offense Be consistent

Infringing on Rights Sometimes seen as violating

1st amendment Freedom of Speech

Civility campaign should never violate the basic intent of our Bill of Rights

Make sure legal counsel has been consulted regarding any consequences or actions that have been included in the campus campaign plan

It’s a Cultural Shift!!!

Full-blown commitment by administration, starting with President

Well-thought out plan that is: Communicated Visible Consistent

Individual ContributionsWith or without Institutional Campaign

Set standards in office, units, classrooms Set clear expectations for respectful and polite

behavior Integrate civility “lessons” into course curriculum,

staff meetings, trainings and student programs Make it visible Be a role model by displaying compassionate, kind

and Loving actions

References & Resources• http://www.webershandwick.com/news/article/civility-in-ameri

ca-2013-incivility-has-reached-crisis-levels

• http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2014/02/herbst-authorizes-immediate-steps-to-promote-campus-civility/

• http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-04-26-college-campus-civility.htm

• Rookstool, J (2007). Fostering Civility on Campus. Community College Press, Washington, DC.

• University of Missouri, Show Me Respect Project; http://civility.missouri.edu/toolbox.php

Dr. Barbara A. Copenhaver BaileyAssistant Vice President for Student SuccessDivision of Student LifeWest Virginia University206 E Moore Hall, PO Box 6411Morgantown, WV 26506304-293-5811 c) 304-282-6629barbara.copenhaver-bailey@mail.wvu.edu@BarbieGirlWVU

Comments, Thoughts or Questions

Thank you.©2015 Barbara A. Copenhaver Bailey