Civility Initiatives
The mission of Civility Initiatives is to strengthen community and interpersonal relationships at CMU. The work of civility supports the academic, diversity, and well-being goals of the university through skill-building for civil discourse, conflict transformation, and restorative practice.
Carnegie Mellon University's Shared Tenets of Civility
- When we are guided by our shared tenets of civility, we gain the capacity to resolve conflicts and cultivate a deep sense of self and belonging.
- We respect the humanity, value, and dignity of self and others.
- We intentionally interact with a desire to learn and grow.
- We seek to understand ourselves and others through a compassionate and curious lens.
- We invite dialogue and acknowledge that not all uncomfortable exchanges are harmful.
- We believe civility is experienced most fully in times of differences and disagreements.
- We accept responsibility and accountability for our actions.
- We invest in restorative practices to build and sustain our community.
Defining Civility
Civility is the foundation of interpersonal interactions and experiences at CMU. It is the ability to engage others with respect and dignity even in the face of differences or disagreement. To do civility well, we must be community-centered and historically conscious, engage in cultural humility, and be in constant pursuit of knowledge and healing.