President Tim Sands notes 20th anniversary of Principles of Community

To the university community,

This year’s Principles of Community Week marks the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of these principles on March 14, 2005, by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors and leaders representing our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

At the time, President Charles Steger noted that “this important statement will guide all our actions as we work together to build a strong and better future for our university.”

I have great respect and admiration for the Hokies who came together 20 years ago to pledge “a collective commitment to these principles” in the spirit of our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Reaffirmed by the board in 2014, over the past two decades the Principles of Community helped guide and focus our vision of a university “that nurtures learning and growth for all its members,” and continues to do so today. They reflect the complexities of balancing free speech and academic freedom while maintaining physical safety and an inclusive community; they support civil discourse across differences and seeking truth through scholarly work; and they inspire our efforts to address the wealth and opportunity gap in higher education through Virginia Tech Advantage.

As we mark this important milestone, please take time to reflect on how these principles have supported the growth and success that Virginia Tech enjoys today, and their role in our vision for the future.

Tim Sands,
President