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Guiding Principles The following key guiding principles inform the seminars and core services of Gateway StudentDevelopment: The Principle of Character:
The quality of a person's public service flows from their personal
character. Perspective, character, and skills for living are best
imparted when they are embodied in a person who spends time with
another in the classroom of real life. The Principle of Community: Character
formation, perceptual frameworks, and ethical behavior are strengthened
and enhanced in the context of relationships between diverse people
sharing mutual commitments toward one another and the good of those
outside as well as inside the community. The Principle of Reality:
There are lasting principles which have elucidated human relations
and well being in the past and which will serve as secure guidelines
in facing an uncertain future. The Principle of Transformation:
Mature human character remains undeveloped without inner change
and self-sacrificial involvement in the lives of other people. The Principle of Love: Each
individual is unique in personality and design, and of great worth
because of their personhood (not just their contribution). Consequently
we are bound to extend them dignity, respect, compassion, and our
best attempts at understanding. The Principle of Service:
Every person has a unique contribution to make toward the good of
others and toward the good of the community. The Principle of Civilized Discussion: "We can not say, 'I agree,' or 'I disagree' until we can first say, 'I understand.'" - Mortimer Adler Gateway Student Development acknowledges that the university is a pluralistic environment, providing opportunity to hear many diverse perspectives on life. We value the contribution that these perspectives provide and affirm and respect the right and responsibility of each individual to hear and choose from these many voices. The voice we contribute to the forum, hopefully, emphasizes character and values stemming from a cultivation of the spiritual aspects of life which helps integrate life's diverse aspects into a meaningful whole. We don't claim to be the final authority on God or other spiritual matters but want to encourage and participate in the discussion.
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