Today the honors
class went to a convocation entitled CSP
Mission in Action. This convocation talked about the process that is
currently going on at Concordia to create a promise statement for the
University. Concordia has a mission statement, but the university thinks it is
important to have a promise statement as well, because a mission statement
tells a person what Concordia does, but a promise statement tells a person what
Concordia will do for them. The promise statement will also tell what is unique
about Concordia. The University has involved students in this entire process,
and this convocation was one of the steps. Soon-to-be-president Ries talked, as
well as some panelists. They talked about the process and their hopes and
expectations for the new promise statement.
This promise
statement will really help clarify what it means to be human and Christian at
this university, while also promoting interconnectedness by clarifying what can
be expected to be given by Concordia. The statement made by Concordia
University should be similar to other colleges in one aspect, we are all human,
but it should have a distinct Christian difference as well. If it does not,
then Concordia is failing at its mission statement. In this world, a promise
statement is important. Clarifying what can be expected helps us have better
relationships as humans.
This convocation
was a good idea to ensure that students are informed of what is happening
within the university right now. I found it very helpful to hear why a promise
statement is important. However, too much time was spent on introductions that
could have been used to talk about the relevant issues. It would have been very
beneficial to have time for questions at the end, but there was no time left
over. I was challenged to think more about myself from this event. I need to
consider what makes me unique and what I can be expected to offer to others.
Laying these things out, even if only in my head, could be extremely beneficial
to me.
