Imagine a world where every conversation, whether in a classroom or conference room, was marked by respect and consideration. While this might sound idealistic, cultivating civility on campus and in the workplace can transform environments into more productive and harmonious spaces. However, in recent years, civility has been challenged by the intense polarization of our society. The recent political climate has led to opposing views and heated debates, often at the expense of mutual respect and understanding. This growing divide makes it more important than ever to prioritize civility in our interactions.
According to Christine Porath, Georgetown University researcher and author of Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace, 40 percent of employees hesitate to show civility at work, fearing others might take advantage of them. Porath argues that most incivility stems from a lack of awareness rather than malicious intent (Miller, n.d.). The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, isolated us from others and led to increased reliance on technology and reduced face-to-face interaction. The resulting impact eroded practical social skills.
Two important skills for fostering civility are self-awareness and social awareness. Together, they enable individuals to manage their behaviors while empathizing with others' experiences. Whether in the classroom or workplace, as a community, we seek to respect the dignity and worth of all people by creating a climate of civility, respect, and inclusion. Last August, the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity launched the Monarchs “ACE” Civility campaign to advance 51鱨վ’s Core Values of inclusion and respect. This year, we’re expanding these efforts by broadening the reach of Monarchs “ACE” Civility. This means making civility tangible beyond our physical spaces to include social media, digital outlets, and student, faculty, and staff organizations.
Throughout August and September, we will provide opportunities to demonstrate civility across campus and digital spaces, as well as resources and curated by 51鱨վ Libraries. Civility is not just about being nice—it’s about creating an environment where ideas can flourish, and collaborations can thrive. Join our civility movement by signing our and becoming a .
Reference:
Miller, J. V. (2023). Leadership and the civil workplace: It starts with you. The People Equation. .