The eight Core Values through which Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions has historically functioned were recently updated to increase alignment with the University’s people-centric culture. Core Values support the University’s Mission, Vision, Core Themes, and Comprehensive Strategic Plan by reflecting the ethos and beliefs of the institution in terms of how the University operates and educates.
Said University President Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, “The majority of our previous Core Values have stood since the University’s inception in 1998. A broad analysis of the Values, including all our constituent groups and consideration of our current culture and aspirations, resulted in the 2020 update that I believe more accurately reflects who we are: we’re all about people. We train minds, hands, and hearts in providing the best possible care and we serve each other – our employees, students, and other constituents – with that same level of commitment.”
An ad hoc committee of employees, faculty, and students led the initial charge to review the Core Values. A draft was provided for feedback by employees, the student council, and the Board of Trustees. Following approval by the Executive Council in November 2019, the Board of Trustees approved the final Core Values in December 2019. The new Core Values, effective as of January 1, 2020, are Evidence-Based, Learning-Centered, Authentic, Service-Oriented, Trustworthy, Inclusive, and Collaborative. The University is currently updating all documents and websites to reflect these changes. Descriptions of the new and previous Core Values and the relationships between like-values are noted as follows.
| Previous Core Values | New Core Values |
|---|---|
| Clinical Inquiry. The University advocates clinical inquiry that challenges practice standards, expands evidence-based practice, increases clinical research, develops healthcare change agents, and encourages experiential learning. | Evidence-Based. We fuse our expertise with the best available evidence to achieve the best possible outcomes. |
| Student-Centeredness. The University provides a student-centered environment through relevant and participatory courses and a supportive University community. | Learning-Centered. By challenging thinking, encouraging growth, and exploring possibilities within a supportive learning environment, we empower learners to rise to their highest potential. |
| Authentic. We recognize our imperfections and welcome growth stemming from both success and failure. We believe in our unlimited capacities to find solutions. We model gratitude. We seek to understand, to empathize, and to forgive. | |
| Service. The University promotes service to community, healthcare, and education. | Service-Oriented. Because we value people above all else, we serve each other, our patients and clients, our communities, and the world. |
| Integrity. The University demonstrates integrity in its interactions with all its constituents. | Trustworthy. We strive for honesty, respect, and accountability in all we do to continuously earn credibility as an institution and as individuals. |
| Diversity. The University cultivates diversity through academic freedom, varied educational experiences, and broad recruitment of students and faculty. | Inclusive. By honoring our differences and similarities, we strengthen institutional and community connections. |
| Leadership. The University fosters skills essential to leadership roles in healthcare, academia, research, and the community. | Collaborative. We learn and create within and across teams to innovate, foster change, implement strategy, ensure accountability, and celebrate achievement. |
| Sustainability. The University operates with respect for the natural environment. | |
| Viability. The University generates and manages its resources in a manner that will ensure the long-term success and operation of the institution. |
