Miami University is looking for its students to learn a bit more about morality this fall, with the introduction of the university's Core Commitments initiative, which hopes to educate students on all aspects of morality-both social and personal.
In a national survey sent to all Oxford undergraduates Oct. 31, students were asked about their perceptions of personal and social ethics, as well as how these morals can be seen on the Oxford campus.
"We want to make sure that in every opportunity we have, we talk about the importance of everyone taking personal and social responsibility for their actions," said Susan Mosley-Howard, dean of students.
The Core Commitments initiative was launched this year after Miami, along with over 20 other institutions of higher education, received a grant from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).
The AAC&U is a national association of a large variety of colleges and university members across the nation. Core Commitments, one of the projects sponsored by the AAC&U, is dedicated to examining student perceptions of personal and social ethics, as well as increasing their understanding and execution of moral responsibility.
Mosley-Howard is a co-chair of the project for Miami. According to Mosley-Howard, the survey is one of the first steps in implementing the program.
"We have a plan, and the survey will confirm that we are heading in the right direction," Mosley-Howard said. "We're using the survey as data gathering."
Denise Krallman, director of Miami's Institutional Research and member of the committee in charge of Core Commitments, was one of the major influences behind the survey.
Krallman said that the survey is important in understanding how students currently view ethics on campus.
"The survey examines how well are Miami students being prepared in terms of their social responsibilities," Krallman said. "The questions ask (about) your own feelings and what you think about social responsibility and ethics and integrity and also how you view people around you."
Mosley-Howard agrees.
"The survey is designed to give the university a sense of how students, faculty and staff view issues," she said.
The survey is split into several different sections, with the first section focusing on students' involvement and overall experiences on campus. The following sections question the overall perceptions of the school-including if the campus is safe to host controversial events and if faculty help create an open-minded atmosphere.
Results from the survey will be sent to the AAC&U and Miami University.
"Miami will receive the results, we'll take what comes back to us and look at where we're weak and where we're strong," Krallman said. "We can work with student groups, organizations, student affairs staff, faculty, on improving social and personal responsibilities and making them better."
Students who participate in the survey will also be automatically entered into a raffle. Raffle prizes will include King Cafe gift certificates and Miami University Bookstore gift cards. There will also be a grand prize of a $350 certificate to the Miami University Bookstore for textbook purchases next semester.
Overall, Krallman said that students so far have had a positive reaction to the survey and its mission.
Krallman said she even received an e-mail from one student applauding the survey.
"One student e-mailed me and said the survey was great," Krallman said. "She offered to help in any way she could."
Krallman hopes eventually more than 40 percent of the student body will take part in the survey.
