Our shared expectations for our DePaul Community

As we begin a new year, the wellbeing of our university community remains our highest priority. We live in a time when many global, national, and local issues threaten to divide us. Instead, we intend to come together — because at DePaul, we take care of each other. We support each other. We acknowledge our differences. We work toward understanding. We champion compassion. These qualities are central to our Catholic, Vincentian mission and will continue to drive DePaul forward.

In this spirit, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold the guiding principles that our administrative and academic leaders adopted last academic year. We expect every student, faculty and staff member to join us in doing the same. To be clear, our shared expectations for our DePaul community are as follows:

Remain grounded in our Catholic, Vincentian mission, and respect the dignity of every member of our university community. For more than 125 years, DePaul has embraced its identity as an ecumenical, interfaith institution that is welcoming to all. We will continue to be supportive of every faith tradition that practices and convenes on our campus. We will continue to extend care, compassion and grace for every individual.

Uphold the principles of shared governance. As we address issues affecting the DePaul community, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold shared governance. We will continue to cultivate a culture of shared governance that promotes collaboration and trust.

Embrace academic freedom and free expression. We support and welcome dissent and debate. We will not condone any speech or expression in the classroom or anywhere at DePaul that serves only to threaten or intimidate members of our university community.

Zero tolerance for any act of hatred or violence. We will ensure DePaul remains a welcoming space for our diverse university community. DePaul remains committed to investigating every reported complaint of harassment or discrimination.

Adhere to DePaul’s Demonstration Guidelines. These guidelines provide clarity on how our students, faculty, and staff can safely and productively engage in demonstration activities, while following DePaul’s policies and procedures, as well as upholding our longstanding values. All demonstrations are prohibited from affecting university operations and targeting any group or member of our university community. Any individual who fails to adhere to applicable university policies and guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action.

A collection of resources for students, faculty and staff is available here. Please remember if you experience any threats or acts of violence, report them immediately to Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop).

We shared these expectations at this morning’s Academic Convocation and invite you to read the full speeches delivered by President Rob Manuel and Provost Salma Ghanem. 

We look forward to recognizing your many successes and accomplishments this academic year. From academic awards and research milestones to athletics victories and community partnerships, we know there will be much to celebrate. Thank you for everything you do to care and support one another. Take care, DePaul.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Manuel

Salma Ghanem

Sherri Sidler

Kathy Stieber

David Avdul

Elizabeth Clements

Peter Coffey

Katie Fraumann

Soumitra Ghosh

Mark Laboe

Bob McCormick

DeWayne Peevy

Jose Perales

Arbin Smith

Jo Smith

Brian Sullivan

Cristel Turner

Rich Wiltse

Eugene Zdziarski, II

Sulin Ba

Stephanie Dance-Barnes

Lucia Dettori

Martine Kei Green-Rogers

Julie Lawton

John Milbauer

Jennifer Mueller

Alexandra Murphy

Tatum Thomas

Guillermo Vasquez de Velasco