Texas A&M University is a diverse community that includes many groups of people, some of whom have been historically discriminated against on the basis of characteristics such as racial, ethnic, and cultural background, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental abilities, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status. The staff of the Student Counseling Service believes that prejudice and discrimination are detrimental to human development. The staff supports an environment in which everyone is respected, welcomed, and appreciated. The appreciation and valuing of diversity contribute to the development of community in its most ideal sense.

The staff of the Student Counseling Service also values the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere of openness and trust in which everyone is encouraged to explore and discuss their attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors. The process of learning about and being sensitive to the diverse life experiences of others enhances staff members individually and as a group, which enables the staff to provide the highest quality of service and training.

The staff of the Student Counseling Service will continually assess its progress in fostering an environment where everyone is respected, welcomed, and appreciated. Areas to assess will include such things as the physical environment, interpersonal communication, student feedback, and continuing education. As the staff of the Student Counseling Service proceeds on the journey of developing their community, they will value and practice community building behaviors including mutual respect, civility, and responsible forthrightness.

Adopted June 22, 1995