Our Guiding Principles

• We will help transform and build the Advancement program if we uphold a set of guiding principles in our everyday work life, interactions, and job performance.
• We are focused on a unified operational objective: To maximize the value of the University of Rochester donor pool.
• We will begin with the end in mind in all we do.
• We believe in donor centric Development. We will seek to understand our donors, their interests, their passions and hopes. We can help encourage transformational giving to the extent we build partnerships with our donors.
• We will inspire and help our University family members find their Rochester passion and voice.
• We believe that practicing three part giving will maximize donors' impact on the University.
• We believe open, direct, and honest communication creates a climate of trust and cooperation within Advancement and within the broader University community.
• We will participate in the life of the University and understand its people, programs, and plans.
• We will create an environment where everyone within the University family understands they are a development officer with the power to advance the institution.
• We are committed to find and nurture the 'better angels' within those with whom we interact, as well as ourselves.
• We believe in the concept of synergy: the sum of the whole is always greater than its parts. We work smarter together.
• We will be good stewards of the resources given to us and will use the investment in our division as effectively as possible on behalf of the future of the University.
• We are committed to being open and transparent in our actions and measurements.
• We will hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards of professional conduct, demonstrating that we are people of reliable integrity.
• We are a community of professionals dedicated to achieving excellence in everything we do. Excellence is an outcome driven by ongoing commitment.
• We are dedicated students of the development profession and seek to maximize the professional potential and growth of every Advancement staff member.
• We are all representatives of our University with the power to leave a positive impression with every interaction we have.
• We will convey the energy, intellectual vigor, and mission of our University to everyone with whom we interact.
• We believe that humor creates a healthy environment and will be enthusiastic proponents of its effective and appropriate use.