Values and Respect

As your sons and daughters return to campus, Donna and I share their excitement of a fresh start. Though I have been here since January, this August is especially significant for me because it marks the beginning of my first school year here as president.  

In the months since I arrived, I have met many of your cadets and invested much time in rediscovering The Citadel – an institution that, though different from place where I graduated in 1973, still inspires me.  While there are new faces, buildings, programs and procedures that respond to the needs of 21st century cadets, the fundamental principles that made The Citadel a great institution 33 years ago remain the driving force behind this college.

As I observe our cadets, I share your pride in their achievements and sense of purpose. I identify with the strong bonds they have developed as was the case for members of my class.  

After a very rewarding 32-year career in the United States Air Force, it has been a great honor to return to my alma mater as president. This is the place where I met Donna who is from Charleston. This is the place where we were married (Summerall Chapel). This is the place where our youngest son joined the Long Gray Line in 2003. So you can see that for us, The Citadel is a family affair. I hope you feel that same family connection with The Citadel because your sons and daughters need their families.

Why do I stress the importance of family? Because colleges are not sanctuaries but rather, reflections of our society.  Family support and the reinforcement of values you have instilled within your sons and daughters is important as they face the challenges of college life.

 Some of those challenges are social. The most critical challenge that cadets face – one that all college students must confront – is misuse and abuse of alcohol. Your cadets have no doubt observed the personal heartbreak and serious consequences that underage or excessive drinking can bring.

Some of those challenges are academic. At The Citadel, rigorous course work is linked to honorable behavior with no tolerance for cheating. Furthermore unlike many other colleges where a student may choose to attend or cut a class, we consider class attendance a duty. Unexcused absences are simply not acceptable.

Some of the challenges of a college environment are cultural. The issues of respect and treatment of fellow students are of paramount importance in a place guided by core values and a mission to develop principled leaders. Yet one only has to pay attention to the media to realize that students mistreat one another on many campuses, even in high school.

The Citadel is taking new steps to help all cadets make wise choices through our Values and Respect Program, so named because it focuses on our core values as the foundation of our leadership training. We must strengthen the culture of respect within the Corps – that means self respect as well as respect for others.  A culture of respect means that there is no room for mistreating others. A culture of respect means that cadets treat their classmates as brothers and sisters. A culture of respect encourages cadets to help their classmates make good decisions.

I am speaking personally to each class of cadets about values and respect as they return to campus. My purpose in writing you is to ask for your help in this effort. I offer these suggestions as ways you can support us in this effort:  

• You can discuss with your sons or daughters the challenges of academics, alcohol, respect and the importance of accountability for one’s actions.

• You can encourage them to resist negative peer pressure and seek out a trusted member of the cadet leadership, the faculty or staff if they observe behavior that is at odds with their ethical standards or our core values.

• You can let them know that I am personally committed to a climate in the Corps that is challenging yet supportive, fair, consistent and respectful.  

• You can encourage your sons or daughters to discuss their academic performance with you after midterm and final exams.

In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about our Values and Respect Program from your cadet and possibly other sources. We have some work to do, particularly in the areas of gender relationships. We must confront some difficult issues openly and honestly if we are to create a culture of respect. And I believe a culture of respect is essential to our mission of educating principled leaders.  

All at The Citadel, from the Board of Visitors and the cadets in leadership positions to the junior members of the support staff, share responsibility for the well-being of your cadet. As we move ahead, I look forward to a partnership with you, our parents and guardians, in helping our cadets develop the character and leadership skills that will guide them throughout their lives.

Donna joins me in sending our best wishes and appreciation for the confidence you have expressed in The Citadel by entrusting us with the education of your son or daughter.

John W. Rosa
Lieutenant General, USAF (Retired)
President