An integral component of sustainability is ensuring a foundation to cultivate a welcoming and engaging environment - embracing diverse communities and the unique voices they support. With increasing challenges related to climate, resource needs and resiliency, it is more relevant than ever to work collectively in ensuring connection and community. As a leading research institution with students, faculty and staff from more than 125 countries, Iowa State is uniquely positioned to create opportunities that simultaneously support inclusion, as well as envision innovative solutions to the global challenges that impact us all.

Developed through a student government-led lead effort that began in 2005, six Principles of Community are the ubiquitous bedrock cultivating the vision throughout the Iowa State campus community - Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and Respectful Expression of Ideas.

These foundational principles are also embedded values within the University's 2022-2023 Strategic Plan and offer a framework to support Iowa State University's Statements of Aspiration - specifically "to be the university that cultivates a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff flourish."

For more information, visit Iowa State University's Principles of Community website. See the dropdowns below to see how our Principles of Community are making an impact within each of the three facets of sustainability. 

  • Workforce development programs are established with several area businesses, including Workiva, U.S. Bank and Barilla.
  • The university supports ISU students and Ames community members in finding jobs by supporting and facilitating school-to-work programs.

  • By connecting students with sustainability programs and resources, colleges, departments and the Office of Sustainability provide opportunities to protect and enhance the environment – encompassing current and future generations.
  • Of the many opportunities offered, special events and volunteer opportunities are especially significant in allowing students to cultivate an individual appreciation for and connection to their natural environment as they discover and pursue their own unique passions at Iowa State.

  • The Center for Student Educational Success, through the Dean of Students Office, offers targeted assistance and resources for first generation and low-income students.
  • Every January, Iowa State University observes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through presentation of the Advancing One Community Awards. These awards are given to students, faculty and staff on the merits of having demonstrated commitment to the principles and goals of Dr. King over a sustained period of time through non-violent actions to create an inclusive multicultural community and/or to bring about systemic change aimed at reducing injustice and inequity at Iowa State University.
  • Iowa State hosts the annual Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE). This conference is modeled from the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE) that assists institutions of higher education in creating inclusive environments, improving campus racial and ethnic relations and expanding opportunities for access to education for traditionally underrepresented populations.
  • Iowa State University's Student Accessibility Services, within the Dean of Students Office, ensures accommodations to eliminate disability-related barriers to student success.
  • Cyclone Support acts as a collective resources hub to support, nurture, strengthen and sustain foundation within the principles of community through focused resources and assistance connections in safety and emergency health, wellness, and well-being advocacy.