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Community Values

A student’s educational experience takes shape on campus, off campus, and both in and out of the actual classroom. Upon arrival, our students become a member of an open and supportive campus community that will play a significant role in their personal development.

The Converse community, like others, operates by consent and participation of its members. Experience has taught students, past and present, that the freedoms of any individual living in a social organization must always be limited to some degree by the collective rights and freedoms of the organization. As a result, a student who exercises the privilege of matriculating at Converse is obligated at all times to assume responsibility for their own actions and to respect the rights of others. It is expected that members of this community treat one another with respect and civility when discussing and reflecting ideas and thoughts including those related to religious faiths and traditions.

The personal conduct of each Converse student is expected to reflect a high consideration for the rights of others. The success or failure of the campus community as an educational classroom hinges upon the commitment and maturity of each individual, for the sake not only of self but also for the entire campus community.

Civitas Council

The Civitas Council is one-half of the legislative portion of Converse’s system of student self-governance. It serves as the student judicial body governing community and social action. The Latin word civitas translates “citizen” or “citizenship.” The Council is so named because its actions seek to promote and protect each individual citizen’s rights and responsibilities. The Council has jurisdiction over violations of Community Values, such as hazing and alcohol offenses and of certain residence hall policies, such as fire safety, visitors, and required meetings. The Council operates in a manner such that the campus community’s growth may continue uninhibited by individual infractions.

Convocation Series

In keeping with Converse’s liberal arts education, the Convocation Series exists to encourage the development of all aspects of the human spirit. It stems from the core values of the University: Excellence, Integrity, Diversity, Respect, Community, Exploration and Progress. Through participation in a broad base of programs provided by the institution, it is believed that Converse students will gain a greater appreciation of life experiences beyond their area of study. The Converse’s Convocation Series strives to enrich the student experience and encourage the development of students educated to succeed in an ever-changing world.

All undergraduate Converse students (residential and commuting) are required to attend Opening Convocation and are strongly encouraged to attend Founder’s Day. These two celebrations bookend the academic year and serve as ties to and the foundation of Converse. These two events bring students, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni together to honor and celebrate the course of another year for the university.

We encourage students to experience all that Converse has to offer. Students must attend at least one from each category and submit an electronic pledge for a total of 6 each semester.

The five categories from which to select Convocation events are:

I.   Arts and Humanities

  • Art exhibits and openings
  • Creative writing workshops and speakers
  • Music recitals
  • Theater and Opera performances

II.  Campus Celebrations

  • SGA Town Hall Meetings
  • Called/Special meetings with the President or college administration
  • Honor Code signing for all new students
  • Festival of Lessons and Carols
  • Honor emphasis programs and speakers
  • Celebration Weekend: Including May Day, Junior Ring Ceremony, Freshmen Pinning, Academic, Athletic & Leadership Awards

III.    Community Engagement

  • Community service events: Including Impact Day of Service and College Town service projects
  • Athletics events
  • Wellness Center Programs
  • Service trips sponsored by Converse
  • Other programs/events that promote engagement in the Converse community may be petitioned to Civitas for consideration

IV.    Diversity

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
  • Black History Month Events
  • Religious Life events
  • Model programs events
  • Other programs/events that promote diverse perspectives, knowledge of different cultures, methodologies, and world views may be petitioned to Civitas for consideration

V.     Leadership Development

  • Student Government election speeches
  • Student Government installations
  • Student Government leadership retreat
  • Center for Career Development workshops and guest speakers
  • Other programs/events that promote leadership development and education may be petitioned to Civitas for consideration

*Guest speakers hosted by Converse departments or Student Organizations may be petitioned to Civitas for consideration and will be assigned the appropriate category.

Students must submit their convocation attendance online within seven days of attending each event. Students will be fined $30 for each event fewer than the six required per semester.

Students are expected to show respect for the caliber of the program, for the stature and historical nature of the event and for the positive representation of Converse and its students.