We are guided by common values of community, life-long learning, scholarship, creativity and innovation, diversity and civility, collaboration, financial responsibility, and continuous improvement.

We also recognize and value the diversity of communication, personal interaction, and management styles that exist within our Johns Hopkins School of Education community. While being cognizant that our diversity may influence communication style and personal interactions, we are committed to fairness and honesty in all of our interactions and to treating one another with civility, in a manner that embraces respect and fosters trust and open communication.

School of Education Definition of Civility

Civility is behavior that demonstrates consistent respect for others, including an effort to understand differences. Civility helps to create an environment within the School of Education where all are valued and can be productive.

Policy on Civility

Within the School of Education community, we value civility and seek to create an environment where all are valued and can be productive. This includes, but is not limited to, a respect for differences. The caliber of the instruction, the quality of life of our students, and the quality of the work life of our staff and faculty drive the quality of the educational experiences at the School of Education. Working to foster a civil community includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following.

We will:

  • Be courteous towards fellow colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Disruptive, discourteous, and/or insubordinate conduct will not be tolerated.
  • Share ideas, raise questions, and express differences of opinion in a civil manner without fear of reprisal, insult, or denigration.
  • Listen respectfully while others share their ideas, allowing the speaker to complete his or her thoughts, and be open to considering new approaches.
    Be sensitive to the impact of tone, language, and content of our communication, including electronic communication.
  • Treat everyone equitably and with respect, regardless of his or her title, and maintain the same expectations for civility regardless of position, perceived power, rank, or authority.

School of Education Guidelines

  1. Students, staff, and faculty who are part of the School of Education community are encouraged to address civility concerns about another student, staff, or faculty member at the point of origin because issues are often resolved easiest and fastest at that level. Direct resolution of problems may foster a deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
  2. There may be times when students, staff and faculty may not feel comfortable addressing a concern directly. In such instances, they are encouraged to bring the concern to the attention of the appropriate SOE personnel.
  3. A student, staff, or faculty member may bring an issue forward and request confidentiality, provided that there is no legal obligation for JHU to address the concern. Confidentiality can limit the extent of any action because it may not be possible to address the incident without breaching confidentiality.
  4. Students can bring their concerns regarding student, staff, or faculty civility/breaches of conduct to the attention of their faculty program lead or the Director of Student Affairs.
  5. Staff and faculty can bring their concerns regarding staff or faculty civility/breaches of conduct to the attention of their supervisor, department head or the head of Human Resource. Staff and faculty concerns regarding students should be brought to the attention of the department head or the Director of Student Affairs.
  6. Such concerns, where applicable, will be addressed under the terms of the academic and student code conduct policies.