Recent events illustrate need for shift in priorities
In the early 1950s, USC had one rule: Students will engage in no behavior that will bring dishonor to themselves or to their fellow students. While additional rules were inaugurated over the years, the Carolinian Creed was introduced in the late 1980s, providing a positive framework as to who we, as Carolinians, aspire to be. It begins, "The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence. Choosing to join our community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior." Each of you made a deliberate decision to join Carolina's community of 30,000 scholars and to embrace our creed.
As our community adapts to a higher standard or code of conduct, each member is ultimately responsible for his or her actions. As some students struggle to make smart decisions regarding alcohol and drugs, our faculty and staff continue to provide education and prevention programs designed to inform, engage and provoke reflection. Together, we discuss the responsible use of alcohol while examining the dangers and consequences of risky behavior and poor judgment that often happens while a student is under the influence. We all have an obligation to stand up and speak out when we see a member of our community engaging in dangerous or inappropriate behaviors. When social activities, like the incident at the Woodlands, move from fun to extreme, from social interaction to the objectification of women, it's time to stand up. That requires courage, clear thinking and action.
We are better than this. Each of us has an obligation to the Carolina community to strive for personal and academic excellence. There has also been chatter about the Princeton Review party ranking. It is important to remember that the rankings that define our university and assist each of you in gaining employment are those that have academic value. They are not subjective social rankings. That USC is the only university in South Carolina with the Carnegie top-tier designation for very high research activity is an impressive ranking. That USC is the only university in state to earn a spot on the President's Community Service Honor Roll is an honorable ranking. That both our Honors College and our undergraduate international business program are ranked No. 1 is equally impressive. That our engineering students participate in an electrical engineering program that is ranked No. 1 in the South impacts resumes. These are the rankings we welcome. These are the rankings that, as a community, we earn.
It is my hope that each of you has a strong year as you strive for personal and academic excellence. You have made an outstanding choice in joining the Carolina community. As a reminder, "Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior." Find the inner strength to stand up and take action if the need arises. Please join me in embracing and living by our creed.