Based on writings and with permissions by Marjorie W. Hodges and Gary Pavela.
http://www.collegepubs.com/ref/10PrinCivInCyb.shtml
Adapted for Saint Leo Unviersity by Steven Burrell , CIO at Georgia Southern University
The Saint Leo value of Integrity
The Saint Leo value of Integrity pledges us to be honest, just and consistent in word and deed. This applies to all situations both in and out of cyberspace. The cyber world can be impersonal and distant and our real humanity is often diluted or masked by the electronic medium. The following principles provide a framework for civility that serve to guide our actions as a community of learners and teachers in cyberspace.
The Saint Leo value of Respect
1. Promote Human Dignity—
The Internet is a human institution, designed to enhance the growth and development of human beings. Saint Leo Universities value of Respect guides us to treat every person using the Internet in ways that respect and promote human dignity.
2. Uphold the Right to Privacy
Privacy is a component of human dignity. In addition to adhering to pertinent laws and rules, people using the Internet have an ethical responsibility to respect the reasonable privacy expectations of others.
3. Respect the Work of Others
The lawful work of others should not be disrupted, altered, damaged, destroyed, or misappropriated. Nor should the work of others be used without proper attribution. Those who share information on the Internet should state how it might be distributed by others. If there is a doubt, users should ask.
The Saint Leo value of Community
4. Foster Understanding and Empathy
Human beings have shortcomings and make mistakes. They are accountable for the harm they do, but should be treated with understanding and empathy. The Saint Leo value of Community guides us to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change and to serve.
5. Welcome Newcomers
The Internet is a forum for democracy. New members should be welcomed, and guided by example as we foster a spirit of belonging, unity and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect.
6. Discuss and Define Community Standards
The Internet is a large community composed of many smaller communities. Each community on the Internet has a responsibility to discuss, define and disseminate reasonable standards and protocols for its members. Members of Internet communities have a responsibility to learn, follow, and help improve pertinent community standards and protocols.
The Saint Leo value of Stewardship
7. Preserve and Protect Network Resources
The Internet is supported by values and virtues that promote individual freedom and responsibility, including self-restraint in the interest of others. Good stewardship of these resources ensure that the Internet is protected, enhanced, and shared.
8. Know the Limitations of the Medium
Communication on the Internet is not designed to replicate or replace the full richness and complexity of human interaction. Some direct and subtle attributes of communication are lost in the electronic medium. Anger, hostility, or sarcasm should not be readily assumed or inferred. If such characteristics are evident, they are usually best defused by reason, suasion, and compassion.
The Saint Leo value of Personal Development
9. Protect Freedom of Expression
The lawful expression of an idea should not be disrupted or censored. Those who disagree have a better option, enhanced by the power of the Internet itself: The dissemination of a better idea. As members of the Saint Leo University community, we demonstrate our commitment to personal development of others and in doing so, help strengthen the character of our community.
The Saint Leo value of Excellence
10. Help Mold the Future
The Internet is uniquely suited to educate, delight, inform, and persuade. Whether the Internet grows in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility--or is stifled by regulation and acrimony--depends upon the integrity, honesty, diligence, and kindness of those who use it. As a values-based learning community, all of us, individually and collectively, work to ensure that our students develop the character, learn the skills and assimilate the knowledge essential to become morally responsible leaders.