Values
Truman School faculty members share a commitment to public service and to the highest standard of academic and personal integrity.
- Knowledge We have a duty to acquire, create, transmit, and preserve knowledge, and to promote understanding of public policy, public administration and public affairs. Within our diverse disciplines, we seek to use knowledge to advance public service and help to develop an active citizenry.
- Respect Respect for self and others is a hallmark of the Truman School. As members of an academic community, we respect the process by which truths are sought. Such respect is essential for nurturing the trust, collegiality and creative expression that characterize the School. Respect is demonstrated by a commitment to act ethically, to welcome difference, and to engage in free and open exchanges about both ideas and action.
- Student-Centered We believe that the education and professional development of students are central to our mission. We are committed to their intellectual, professional, and civic development and their active engagement in our learning community.
- Responsible Change Our professional efforts in teaching, research and public service are dedicated to the process of responsible change in institutions devoted to enhancing the quality of life of all citizens.
- Public Service We believe that public service is the central mission of government, and that governments are necessary and beneficial institutions in our society. Government at all levels arbitrates conflicting interests, delivers select goods and services, and enhances the quality of life. Likewise, nonprofit organizations and some private organizations work for goals that advance the public service.
- Social Capital Social capital is the collective product of committed, active citizens, and the currency of our public institutions and our common will. We are committed to working to foster better relations between our institutional environment and those organizational entities that are supportive of public service, thereby helping to rebuild the social capital needed in our democratic society.
- Building Democratic Governance We believe that democratic governance requires reflective and knowledgeable citizens who participate actively in public issues. We have a three-fold responsibility in this regard: first to disseminate public affairs knowledge to the public; secondly, to serve as a convener of public policy dialogue and discussion; and third, to provide public policy-relevant research for communities and decision- makers.
- Partners in Public Service We consciously choose to engage with external partners to enhance the public good. Thus, we seek to nurture appropriate relationships with those organizations and individuals in the public, nonprofit and private sectors who value the ideals of public service. Our role is to provide relevant research-based knowledge, policy analysis and evaluation, training and technical assistance. Carrying out our role responsibly requires consideration of the intended as well as unintended consequences of public action.