CNPD Civility Commitments
Working together to strengthen our college community.
At the University of North Dakota College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD), we believe a strong, respectful, and supportive community is essential to our mission of educating future professionals and supporting one another in our work. Our Civility Commitments are a key part of our college’s strategic plan and reflect our shared responsibility to shape a positive culture for faculty, staff, and students.
This work is ongoing—not a one-time initiative—and continues to evolve through collective reflection, dialogue, and action.
Our Civility Commitments
Based on college feedback, CNPD selected five core commitments to guide our work and interactions during the 2026–27 academic years:
- Be Team Players - Support one another, share responsibility, and work together toward common goals.
- Foster Collaboration and Inclusivity - Create environments where all voices are welcomed, respected, and valued.
- Assume Good Intentions from Each Other - Approach interactions with empathy, understanding, and openness.
- Trust One Another - Build confidence in each other’s expertise, integrity, and commitment.
- Check In with One Another - Take time to connect, listen, and support colleagues as people—not just professionals.
These commitments will serve as guideposts as we continue to build a culture rooted in respect, care, and collaboration.
How the Civility Commitments Began
In Fall 2025, CNPD faculty and staff came together for a Civility & Community session led by Dr. Susan Luparell. This session invited open conversation and reflection on how we interact, collaborate, and support one another across the college.
Explore Dr. Luparell’s Visit to UND
During the session, CNPD faculty and staff identified a set of commitments designed to strengthen trust, communication, and connection within our community.
Initial Commitments Identified
- Seek feedback from students
- Express gratitude
- Smile and greet each other
- Check in with one another
- Be team players
- Assume good intentions from each other
- Hold each other accountable
- Foster collaboration and inclusivity
- Trust one another
Following the session, faculty and staff were invited to review the commitments, suggest additions, and participate in a college-wide survey to help determine priorities for the upcoming year. This process ensured that our next steps were guided by shared values and a collective voice.
What This Means Going Forward
The Civility Commitments are not simply statements—they are expectations we actively practice. They will inform future initiatives, conversations, and action steps across CNPD, helping us:
- Strengthen relationships across departments and roles
- Support personal and professional well-being
- Model the values we want our students to carry into their professions
We invite every member of our community to reflect on these commitments and consider how they show up in daily interactions.