University Culture

The George Washington University is a learning community dedicated to communication, diversity, excellence, respect, service, sustainability and teamwork. These values describe how we interact as a community and we believe that by demonstrating these attributes in our daily interactions, we model the culture of The George Washington University.

Learning
We support opportunities for continuous development that maximize the potential of the individual and strengthen the University. We:

• Demonstrate a commitment to intellectual growth and professional development
• Recognize the varied learning styles of different individuals
• Continually acquire interpersonal and technical knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform the job effectively
• Take initiative to seek out and use available learning resources, both internal to the University and external, to enhance professional development and work performance
• Recognize the value of change for continual improvement

Communication
We strive to share information and ideas in an open, consistent, and effective manner. We:

• Foster an environment that supports a continual, candid exchange among all members of the University community
• Encourage expression of new and creative ideas
• Listen without interruption
• Regularly share useful, well organized, and accurate information
• Provide regular, timely, and constructive feedback in a straightforward, sensitive manner

Community
We strive to build a strong community in the service of our shared purpose and mission. We:

• Cultivate an enjoyable, intellectually challenging, rewarding work experience
• Recognize the value and take advantage of available work-life programs that support balance and benefit both the individual and the University
• Share responsibility for building unity, morale, and a cooperative spirit
• Encourage a supportive work environment that recognizes and celebrates accomplishments
• Set clear expectations and high performance standards and hold people accountable for their actions

Diversity
We embrace the unique contributions of all members of our community. We:

• Maintain a commitment to diversity and recognize the uniqueness of individuals
• Support programs that promote an inclusive, welcoming environment for all
• Provide on-going opportunities for students, faculty and staff to expand their cultural awareness
• Incorporate innovative practices that transform traditional leadership

Excellence
We commit ourselves to achieving the highest standards in all our endeavors. We:

• Focus on creating a challenging and intellectually-stimulating environment for our students to learn and grow
• Support opportunities to increase the quality and quantity of research and scholarship
• Strive for exceptional performance in all of our daily activities
• Invest in strengthening GW’s infrastructure to support our University’s mission and strategic goals

Respect
We treat others with courtesy and dignity. We:

• Demonstrate civility, integrity, caring, and compassion to all
• Value others by listening, understanding, and treating them with kindness and consideration
• Recognize and encourage the importance of contributions from everyone
• Encourage a harassment-free work place

Service
We embrace our responsibility to exceed the expectations of others who depend on our actions. We:

• Solve problems at the first point of contact whenever possible; if unable to do so, refer the customer to an appropriate resource
• Respond to all customer requests in a timely manner
• Consider customer feedback and explore creative approaches to enhance service and increase efficiency
• Assume responsibility for all work-related actions

Sustainability
We value and engage in sustainable practices that enhance current and future resources for our campus, our community, and our world. We:

• Operate in ways that express our responsibility as a pre-eminent institutional citizen of the nation’s capital
• Demonstrate a commitment to environmentally sound construction
• Minimize emissions that contribute to global warming
• Advance opportunities to share knowledge around sustainable practices
• Send into society graduates who have been educated in policies and practices that promote and improve sustainability

Teamwork
We encourage collaboration to meet common goals and produce a sense of shared responsibility. We:

• Optimize a cooperative spirit in our work activities
• Understand how collaborative work efforts contribute to the success of the University
• Encourage the expression of different points of view, resolve disagreements in a collegial manner, and support decisions once they are made
• Contribute to the success of the team by working effectively, helping solve problems, and meeting deadlines
• Develop the capacity of others through mentoring and coaching