At Utah State University, the "Aggies Think, Care, Act" initiative isn't just a campus motto, it's a way of life. As detailed in a recent piece by USU Today, the program embodies USU’s Principles of Community, which emphasize human dignity, respect, and social responsibility as core values. The goal is to encourage everyone on campus to engage in behaviors that foster a culture of belonging and mutual respect.
The initiative is a call to action, with Karma Black, assistant director of the USU Disability Resource Center and chair of Aggies Think, Care, Act, highlighting its significance. "These principles call us to action to create a respectful environment for learning and growth at Utah State University campuses," Black told USU Today. Aggies are asked to affirm the worth of each individual, welcome diverse perspectives, and take responsibility for the well-being of their campus community.
At its core, the initiative operates university-wide, steered by a committee of faculty, staff, and students who drive programs, outreach, and coordination throughout campus institutions. Black underscored the collaborative nature of the committee’s work, saying via USU Today, "Each committee member reports on their area of impact, and we collaborate to ensure our work aligns with our principles of community." The committee’s efforts thus far have led to various pledges made by the campus community.
One such pledge, according to a student cited by USU Today, is to "be a role model for tone and empathy in written communication." They expressed a commitment to positivity and respect, especially in online spaces. A faculty member took the pledge to "be intentional in my words and actions to honor the dignity and worth of every individual," which illustrates a personal commitment to the initiative’s principles.
The power of Aggies Think, Care, Act lies in the aggregated impact of simple acts—smiling at fellow students or extending a hand to international classmates—all spearheaded by the belief that habits of empathy and action can transform the campus culture. As Black put it, "When we think, care and act together, we create a campus where everyone is treated with dignity and respect." according to USU Today.
