The University of Arizona’s values define who we are and what we stand for. All who work, live, study, and teach at the University of Arizona are members of the Wildcat community and strive to uphold these core values through their words, actions, and professional conduct.
No matter where you are on your academic journey, all UA students have one thing in common – you are here to learn and grow. At the core of UA’s educational mission is a deep-seated commitment to providing each student with an environment that facilitates meaningful learning and growth. Inherently connected to this commitment is our obligation as a public institution to uphold the First Amendment.
Throughout your academic journey you will undoubtedly be exposed to viewpoints and opinions with which you disagree. Perhaps these opposing viewpoints will move you to change your thinking on a particular topic, or perhaps they will serve to deepen your original stance. The university’s goal is not to teach students what to think, rather it is to facilitate each student’s ability to exercise independent judgement and, in the process, produce engaged learners who are informed and critical consumers of knowledge.
It is our sincere hope that during your time as a Wildcat you will be exposed to a wide range of ideas, that you will engage in civil discourse, that you will disagree respectfully, and that as a result of this process – you will learn and grow. This learning and growth would be impossible if UA attempted to shield people from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, or if members of the university community tried to silence speakers whom they detest. Indeed, the solution to speech is not censorship, it is more speech.
The Dean of Student’s office fully supports students who wish to add their own voices and opinions to UA’s diverse marketplace of ideas and this website contains the information and resources for you to do just that.