August 23, 2024 – Fostering A Community of Trust

Dear Davidson College Colleagues,

We want to thank you for your commitment to building relationships of trust across campus. We all play a role in this work, from mentoring students to coaching colleagues to leaning on each other. The shared values of empathy and respect – the humane instincts of our mission statement – carry more importance and gain more appreciation now than many of us have ever known.

We recognize that last year was challenging and the election and the one-year anniversary of the Gaza conflict may continue to be on people’s minds.

Davidson’s humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds exist beyond their cultivation in our students. They guide how we interact with each other, the good faith we offer in allowing that an opposing view might be right, that a colleague’s title does not categorize them and that they have a story to tell.  We seek your help in strengthening our community, in looking to the guideposts below, and others, to sustain the connections and inclusivity that we enjoy here.

• Embrace diverse perspectives among all members of our community, fostering an environment where all feel valued and heard.
• Practice empathy and compassion in our daily interactions, acknowledging that each of us brings unique experiences to our work.
• Uphold Davidson's Commitment to Freedom of Expression. We value open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, even when opinions differ.
• Strive to maintain a respectful demeanor while engaging with colleagues who may hold different political views.
• Support each other in navigating potentially sensitive conversations with students, providing a united front of professionalism and respect.
• Familiarize yourself with Davidson's Political Activity Policy. This policy provides guidelines on how we can engage in political activities while maintaining our professional responsibilities.

The trust we have built and will continue to build among ourselves will be recognized by our students and contributes to our ability to serve them and fulfill Davidson's mission. By fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment, we create a stronger foundation for our entire college community.

Collaborating, embracing our differences and identifying common ground are among our shared commitments.

Thank you for your devotion to Davidson and to each other.

Doug Hicks, President
Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
Chloe Poston, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Katie Germana, Chief Human Resources Officer