Governing Board

Maricopa Guiding Principles

Maricopa's most notable hallmark has been one of commitment to serving students and community well - this is the reason Maricopa exists. Beyond that noble mission, however, what are the values that establish Maricopa's climate and culture, that drive decision-making, and determine how people behave toward one another on a daily basis? What are the models for leadership? Is there a clear set of behaviors for students to emulate, and for community members and employees alike to expect throughout the Maricopa system?

Institute for Global Ethics founder and president Dr. Rushworth Kidder conducted a 2-day code-building exercise that included all Governing Board members, the Chancellor, representative members of the Chancellor's Executive Council, key faculty, and leaders of the various Maricopa employee policy groups. A comprehensive draft of Maricopa Guiding Principles resulted. The group proposed that the draft of the code be distributed to the campuses for discussion and feedback, and a "final" draft document be submitted to the Board for adoption. Accordingly, focus groups and related discussions were held at each campus and at the District Office at the direction of each College President. While many questions and comments were forthcoming, and ideas shared upon which future discussions are planned, no recommendations were made to modify the initial draft in a manner that would substantially alter the initial intent. Clarification was made that the Guiding Principles would NOT replace the existing Maricopa Values, but would serve to reinforce these by applying behavioral standards and definitions (i.e., the "how" we value diversity, or value students, or value community . . . by acting with honesty responsibility, fairness, respect, caring, and freedom). It is anticipated that the initial set of Guiding Principles will serve as a basic declaration of expectations; that its adoption will foster continuing conversations about ethical practices at all levels of Maricopa and will create opportunities for behavioral standards to be considered over time.

Maricopa Guiding Principles
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