Cornerstone Pledge & Community Standards

I am an engaged learner in constant search of knowledge.

"Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life." — Henry L. Doherty

To achieve academic success as a UNCW student, it is important to take ownership of your education. Doing so means more than simply attending class; it means taking notes, asking questions, actively engaging oneself in conversations and realizing that not all of the necessary work is done in the classroom.

In addition to taking the time to study and prepare for class, such outside work includes involving oneself in the UNCW community, becoming broadly educated on local and global topics, and committing oneself to the continuous accruement of knowledge. Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge that one's duties as a lifelong learner will extend far beyond one's time here at UNCW.

I foster human dignity through acts of civility and respect.

"For me, rather than thinking of human dignity as an individual, internal phenomena, I like to think of human dignity as a co-created experience. It is an experience developed through respectful connection (interpersonal, social, international, etc.) in which people feel known and valued, they feel that they matter... It is our responsibility to participate in the construction of this relational experience for all people." — Linda Hartling, Director, Human Dignity and Humiliation Services

I foster human dignity through acts of civility and respect.

"You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not, like water and oil, repel each other, but should, like milk and water, mingle together." — Buddha

UNCW is a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff who have many different beliefs, ideals, and opinions. For this community to prosper, UNCW students are encouraged to embrace the ideals of civility and respect in their everyday interactions and help create an environment where people are respected for their differences.

This includes being able to allow people to express their opinions even if they are different from your own and respecting others for their beliefs. Being civil and respectful to others helps to foster a community where people are able to learn from one another and interact with people different from themselves.

I maintain a distinguished character based on truth, honesty, and integrity.

"The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals... We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I pursue inner-peace by recognizing the significance of spirituality.

"Wherever we may come alive, that is the area in which we are spiritual." — David Steindl-Rast

Inner-peace and spirituality are celebrated by UNCW students, faculty and staff. Our community members are encouraged to connect with their inner-selves and experience unity in the midst of diversity. Spirituality and inner-peace are maintained through the nourishment of the spirit and body, and the energizing of the mind.

UNCW community members have the opportunity to participate in acts of reflection and events which rejuvenate them physically, mentally and spiritually.

I demonstrate honorable citizenship through acts of civic engagement.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." — President John F. Kennedy

UNCW students are encouraged to get involved in local, regional and national events. Simple ways to do this: read the newspaper and have conversations, vote in the SGA elections and watch the news.

Join a student organization. Register to vote. Attend events and movies on campus. Talk to others about your experience. Learn about your local government. Attend the University/Community Relations Task Force to see how UNCW and the Wilmington community work together. Volunteer for a political candidate. Put yourself out there! Be in the know!

I embrace community by active involvement and service.

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." — Mahatma Gandhi

UNCW is a unique community held together by the active service of our students. The Cornerstone Pledge is an affirmation of this proud tradition. Whether students are volunteering their time and effort on campus or in the Wilmington area, they make a conscious effort to better their community on a daily basis.

UNCW students continually create and maintain organizations that aim to improve the quality of life on  and off campus. Many regional, national and global organizations depend on the leadership skills, contributions and volunteerism of UNCW students. Our students realize the great potential they have to impact our society by their involvement and take seriously the responsibility to serve their community.

I lead a lifestyle that advances physical health and emotional well-being.

"The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word, and behavior affects our greater health and well-being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually." — Greg Anderson, Author, "The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness"

Being — and staying — healthy takes a lot of responsibility because it requires you to take care of yourself on the holistic level: physically, emotionally and psychologically.

It means eating a balanced diet, sleeping right and exercising; it means understanding your emotions and finding the appropriates means and mediums in which to express them; and it means maintaining balance in your life and using the available resources necessary to stay mentally and physically strong.

It also means making the right decisions for yourself, for those around you and for the communities you are a part of.