Student Values

Encarta defines "Values" as "the accepted principles or standards of an individual or a group". The University of Phoenix has clearly defined these standards for each student in the student handbook.

As a student at the University of Phoenix, there are many values that I find extremely important. I have narrowed it down to three for discussion in this paper: Promoting the University of Phoenix's Mission Statement; Consistent Attendance; and Participation in Learning Teams.

According to the University Of Phoenix, its mission is to "educate working adults to develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve their professional goals, improve the productivity of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities" (University Of Phoenix, 2005, p.2). To fulfill this mission, the University of Phoenix states it will:

Facilitate cognitive and affective student learning, develop competence in the communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and information utilization; provide instruction that bridges the gap between theory and practice; to use technology to create effective modes and means of instruction; improve the teaching/learning system, curriculum, instruction, learning resources, counseling and student services by assessing student learning; foster a spirit of innovation that focuses on providing academic quality, service, excellence, and convenience to the working adult; and to generate the financial resources necessary to support the University's mission (University Of Phoenix, 2005, p.2).

To paraphrase from the handbook, our responsibilities as students states that we act ethically with one another (students, faculty, University staff); welcome the contributions of not only students, but faculty and staff members in creating an atmosphere of respect and recognition; foster a productive learning atmosphere; constructively accepting and providing feedback; identify individual and professional values of ourselves and others; show independence and direction in the conclusion of group/individual learning objectives; be accountable for our actions (communication, interactions); recognize that conflicts/resolutions between individuals/groups are necessary to the team learning process; preserve confidentiality and privacy of personal or professional information being communicated; accountability for group achievements from working collaboratively in the learning process; adhere to the University principles on plagiarism/academic cheating; observe all laws and adhere to the University policies.

In order to support the University's mission, we, as students, must follow certain values during our studies at the University of Phoenix. Without these values, we would not be able to uphold the University's mission. Personally, I uphold the mission statement by participating to the fullest degree possible, putting forth my best efforts as a student, and maintaining a high degree of ethical standards.

I also find regular class attendance an important value, as a University of Phoenix Student. Whether it is traditional, online or direct study, class attendance is mandatory and essential for effective learning. Since we are online students, class participation is extremely important. Dr. Wilson states that "Participation is very important online. You will