RESPECT: A Proactive and Data Based Approach to Community Values

Abstract

Deakin’s RESPECT values guide community expectations and standards amongst the on-campus residential student cohort. First introduced in 2016, these values provide a unique opportunity to measure community sentiment, and extend beyond rules and regulations to outline core ideals embraced by the 2,700 students across multiple campuses who call Deakin home. By integrating these community values as part of all aspects of campus life, including resident induction, rules and regulations, disciplinary processes, student leadership, and event management they have become part of the fabric of the residential community. The recent introduction of a RESPECT values index, calculated using aggregated data from targeted questions in an annual survey, provides a quantitative benchmark, the ability to examine the effectiveness of each individual value, and an opportunity to celebrate examples of positive culture. This paper highlights the rationale behind the introduction of these values, outlines the collaborative design, development and implementation processes used to meaningfully establish and embed them within the community, and details the methodology employed to effectively measure and assess their impact.