Values & Behaviors
The division of Student Affairs embraces the University’s mission and values and expands upon them based on our own expertise and unique lens on the student experience. Our values and related behaviors identify what we believe, how we will align resources, and the ways in which we will behave in fulfillment of our mission.
We lead with Compassion.
- Approaching our work from a place of care and empathy.
- Demonstrating concern for the welfare of others through decisions, words, actions, and owning our impact.
- Seeking first to listen and understand.
- Centering the humanity of others in our interactions.
We model Responsibility.
- Upholding university and divisional policies and procedures.
- Behaving in an integrous manner.
- Stewarding resources ethically and sustainably, and in alignment with our mission.
- Owning our mistakes, apologizing sincerely for them, and accepting consequences that may arise from these mistakes.
We commit to Social Justice.
- Centering the most marginalized communities in our decisions, programs, and services.
- Seeking out and actively including diverse perspectives.
- Confronting people, policies, practices, and structures that inhibit equity and justice.
- Holding ourselves and each other accountable for living this value in our work.
- Assessing and disaggregating assessment data to better understand and co-create an equitable and inclusive Northwestern.
We embrace Well-being.
- Role-modeling the integration of self-care and investment in our work.
- Increasing our own understanding of well-being.
- Connecting ourselves and others with resources to provide intervention and support.
- Understanding our own limits and asking for help.
- Maintaining awareness of our impact on the well-being of others
We learn through Discovery.
- Developing our own capacity and knowledge.
- Being curious and open to learning.
- Asking questions instead of ascribing intent.
- Being open to and soliciting feedback and applying this learning to our own growth and development.
We engage in Collaboration.
- Practicing open and authentic communication, grounded in dialogue and being clear about expectations.
- Keeping division, campus, and community partners informed and involved.
- Cultivating strong working relationships in and outside of our division.
- Helping others develop through candid and constructive feedback.
- Recognizing the contributions of others.