Let's go back, back to the beginning...
The Carolinian Creed was generated by a group of students, faculty, and staff from the University of South Carolina in the late 1980s. It aimed to replace the laundry list of policies that had built up over the past few decades dictating the behavior of the university's community members. The creed instead chose to highlight the ideals and values held by the university.
After two years of continuous work the creed was introduced to the campus in October 1990.
So what exactly is the Carolinian Creed?
The Carolinian Creed is comprised of five tenets.
1. I will practice personal and academic integrity;
academic integrity = academic honesty
A.K.A DON'T CHEAT...JUST DON'T
Personal integrity is demonstrated through honesty and behavior that is in accordance with one's own personal beliefs and ideals.
2. I will respect the dignity of all persons;
EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THIS CAMPUS IS IMPORTANT AND DESERVES TO BE TREATED AS SUCH.
3. I will respect the rights and property of others;
As citizens of this country and beings on this planet we have certain personal rights. These rights must be understood and upheld by all members of the USC community. We also all have the right to feel safe within our campus and trust that our belongings will not be violated by our peers. Simply stated: don't steal, vandalize, or damage someone else's property.
4. I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions;
According to Transitions "bigotry is defined as intolerance toward those who hold different ideas, beliefs or opinions from one's own." USC is composed of thousands of students who carry with them thousands upon thousands of different experiences that have helped to shape their personal opinions and ideas on various topics. BE OPEN-MINDED! It never hurts to see things from a new or different point-of-view.
5. I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions which support their work and development.
We all have feelings and sometimes we all just need a little help from our friends. Be compassionate and supportive to your peers and avoid behaviors that create an unfriendly environment.
And there you have it folks, the Carolinian Creed.
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