UMSI Culture of Care framework

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UMSI is committed to building a culture of care among students, faculty, staff and leadership. With input and feedback from community members, we developed this collective framework.

This is our shared agreement, or PACT — a handy acronym for remembering the four pillars of our Culture of Care framework. Whether you’re a student, faculty member or staff member, this page offers tangible ways to contribute. To learn more or share ideas for promoting these pillars, contact the Organizational Culture and Community (OCC) team at [email protected].

A group of 7 smiling people stand together on a stage behind a podium. The projector screen behind them says, "2025 UMSI Staff Awards. Innovation Excellence Award (Team): Online Programs Team." There are 10 headshots below the text.

We show appreciation for individual and team contributions, honoring multiple definitions of success.

Examples

As a student: Take a moment to directly commend a classmate or teammate for their individual contributions.
As staff: Submit kudos to the Staff Activities Committee for broader recognition of the work done by colleagues.
As faculty: Share PhD student accomplishments, keeping in mind that these look different for different types of researchers — from building strong community relationships to first publications and awards.

A small group of students sits in a circle in a large lecture hall, laughing and smiling.

We create and engage in opportunities for connection at an organizational and interpersonal level, recognizing that shared experiences, genuine interactions and trust foster collaboration and help us navigate challenges across differences.

Examples

As a student: Interact with classmates and colleagues outside your familiar circle, and encourage friends to do the same.
As staff: Facilitate social events where members of the UMSI community can interact and build rapport on a personal level.
As faculty: Maintain an open-door policy or designated office hours where students and colleagues feel comfortable coming to speak with you.

People chatting at a table and looking at a laptop screen.

We uphold a commitment to dialogue that fosters accountability and repair. At the organizational level, we develop policies and processes that establish a foundation for timely, respectful and open communication, while considering and being straightforward about confidentiality and constraints.

Examples

As a student: In group work, acknowledge and utilize each person’s unique skills and perspective. When working on collaborative projects, start with defining responsibilities and setting shared goals to avoid misunderstandings later.
As staff: Role play scenarios that allow for staff to practice using respectful communication tactics in a low-pressure setting.
As faculty: If policies or academic decisions change, explain the rationale behind them to students and provide opportunities for input.

Students sitting on the floor and petting a therapy dog.

We cultivate an intentional space to consider the well-being and development of the UMSI community as a whole — each individual and team — both professionally and personally. We create a culture that accommodates the unique strengths, backgrounds and accessibility needs of every member of our community.

Examples

As a student: Set aside time in your schedule to take care of your personal needs, like health appointments and rest.
As staff: Recognize that incorporating diverse perspectives and creating inclusive processes requires dedicated time and effort, and adjust your work timelines accordingly.
As faculty: Ensure your course materials are accessible, including screen-reader-friendly documents and videos with captions.