Photos by Ralph Freso
When midterms and homework begin to pile up, students’ integrity is put to the test. They are challenged with deciding to take the easy route, such as relying on friends or the internet to complete work, or they can choose the hard route, which requires more effort and personal application.
As the pace of the semester picks up at Grand Canyon University, the Honors College is reminding students of the importance of choosing integrity as it partners with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars to host its annual Character and Integrity Week.
“At a higher academic institution, we are all about academic integrity, but it extends so much beyond that,” Honors College Assistant Director Anya Cofrancesco said. “There is integrity in your faith, in sports, in personal relationships, so we want to emphasize all aspects of it.
“To act with integrity, you have to be a person of character. Your morals, beliefs, the way you view the world – that comprises your character. Throughout the week, we have colleges and departments hosting different workshops to dive a little bit deeper and beyond just ‘it’s good to be a person of integrity,’ and seeing how that looks like."
The initiative launched Monday afternoon at the Promenade when the college rolled out a large purple and white banner and urged students to sign it as a pledge to be integrous in their academic, professional and personal lives.
Tables from various campus programs lined the Promenade, including the Canyon Center for Character Education, Alpha Chi, Career Services, the College of Theology and more, to connect with students, offer ways to be involved and understand integrity on a deeper level.
“It's really awesome to promote integrity to schools today,” freshman Connor Norris said. “Integrity gets forgotten sometimes, and it is important to remember because, as Christians, we are called to live up to Jesus’ calling. Integrity is involved in that, so it’s practicing honesty, academic honesty and helping people.”
The weeklong campaign offers a variety of opportunities for students and employees to learn and practice what integrity looks in and outside of the classroom.
In addition to the banner signing, Monday featured a workshop, “Why Reaching Your Goals Isn’t Enough: Integrity, Meaning and Life in God’s Kingdom,” hosted by the College of Theology. Associate professor of philosophy Dr. Gary Osmundsen led a presentation and discussion about integrating integrity in all aspects of life while pursuing a life honoring God.
“Integrity is doing what God has called us to do,” sophomore Emilia Doyon said. “It means doing what would honor and please God, so that includes my studies. He has placed school in my present day, so I am going to do that with all my heart. I want to do that with my friendships, with my job, with everything.”
Here is the rest of the Character and Integrity Week schedule:
Today
- “Flourishing Together: Advancing Christian Character at GCU” workshop | 12-1 p.m.| Engineering Building, Room 230
Wednesday
- “Righteousness and Justice” workshop | 1-2 p.m. | College of Education, Room 108
- “Christian Values and Christian Virtues: Where’s the Difference? | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Room 102
Thursday
- “Ignite Series: Going the Distance: Navigating Real Relationships in Real Life” workshop | 5:30-7 p.m. | Colangelo College of Business lobby
***
Related content:
GCU News: Annual Honors College campaign motivates students to practice integrity
GCU News: Honors College extends a helping hand during service month
GCU News: We're talkin' a new podcast: the Honors College's 'Honorable Mentions'
