Our Guiding Principles

In order to foster a safe, healthy, vibrant campus community, we are committed, in collaboration with other offices, to providing students with services, advice, direction, and educational opportunities to reach their full potential at Keene State and beyond. Our guiding principles are based on:

Residential College

We embrace the concept of a residential college as a context in which rich intellectual and social exchange continues in spaces beyond the classroom; and as a setting that nurtures a holistic educational experience that leads students to life-long engagement in learning. We commit to creating such an environment and to affording students opportunities for academic exploration, social, personal growth, and moral development.

Ethical Conduct

An ethical discourse is essential to the creation of excellence within and outside of the classroom, as well as to participation in a flourishing, civil society. Keene State College’s Office of Community Standards assists in educating students about the relationship between their personal freedom and their responsibilities to their communities. These systems, which are collaborative, hold members of the campus community accountable. A system that encourages individual choice and responsibility goes hand in hand with the fostering of intellectual freedom and academic excellence and promotes habits of effective and engaged citizenship.

Understanding Diversity in its Complexity

We are committed to a vision of diversity and multiculturalism that fosters the academic, personal growth of all students. This inclusive approach provides a wide range of educational opportunities for all members of the campus and local communities to explore difference by recognizing identities, histories, interests, and needs in order to build mutual respect and understanding.

Mutual Respect

We believe that vibrant and diverse communities thrive when participants in those communities learn to value one another even when disagreeing. Through our daily interactions with members of the campus community, we will seek opportunities to honor the personal integrity of, as well as accept and respect the unique qualities of those with whom we work, study, and live.

Social Justice and Equity

We commit ourselves to fostering relational settings outside of the classroom in which community members can practice the art of listening before responding. We will model and encourage the willingness to consider the experiences and needs of others in our communities as we search for solutions to everyday concerns that will benefit individuals and preserve the safety and well-being of the campus community and of communities beyond.

Promote Positive Change

We are committed to supporting students as they invest themselves in making positive contributions to the world. We strive to empower students to be self-aware and to realize their potential. We promote an environment where healthy lives and balanced minds are valued so that students develop a sense of purpose and meaning during their years at Keene State. We are also committed to facilitating intentional educational opportunities that foster students’ exploration in civic responsibilities and engagement in the campus community, society, and the world.

Curricular Connections

We are dedicated to creating seamless connections between the curricular and co-curricular experiences of students. These efforts include helping students make sensible and informed decisions about academic and personal matters, negotiate the opportunities and challenges that are an important part of a demanding academic environment, and find appropriate resources within and beyond Keene State College. We work collaboratively with partners including academic departments and programs to create opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to integrate the learning that takes place inside and outside of the classroom.