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Relationship to Christ
AdventHealth University (AHU) upholds high academic standards and is deeply committed to preparing outstanding healthcare professionals who embrace the principles of whole person education—nurturing the intellectual, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of those they serve. As a Christian educational institution, AHU recognizes that God plays a significant role in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the formation of compassionate and service-driven professionals. The pattern that Christ established during His life on earth is especially important to faculty. His overriding concern for His fellow human beings, His complete absorption in His “Father’s business,” and His utter dependence on God for personal strength serve as guiding principles for faculty as they develop their own professional practice, ensuring that their work reflects a holistic approach to care and service.
AdventHealth University (AHU) maintains high academic standards and a strong commitment to preparing outstanding healthcare professionals. As a Christian educational institution, AHU affirms that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity and in the healing ministry that defines our specialty – healthcare education.
Faculty are called not only to academic excellence but also to embody the healing values of Christ. His compassion, commitment to service, devotion to purpose, and dependence on the Father provide a model for Whole Person Education. Faculty are encouraged to cultivate their own spiritual wellbeing and sense of purpose, recognizing that spiritual formation and professional practice are deeply connected. Through personal integrity, prayerful reflection, and Christ-centered service, faculty contribute to a campus culture that nurtures belonging, fulfillment, and mission alignment.
Relationship to Students
Students are regarded as valuable individuals to whom God assigns great worth, each possessing unique intellectual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Recognizing that education extends beyond academics, faculty are called to respect their students, foster an environment of mutual learning, and support their growth in all aspects of life. By embracing whole person education, faculty model for students the attributes of the finest professionals, demonstrating not only intellectual excellence but also compassion, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Students are regarded as individuals of inherent dignity and God-given worth. Faculty therefore approach teaching as both an academic and formative calling.
In alignment with Whole Person Education, faculty intentionally support students’ intellectual growth, emotional wellbeing, professional development, and vocational discernment. By fostering inclusive learning environments characterized by respect, compassion, and high expectations, faculty help cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose.
Faculty model the competencies AHU seeks to develop in its graduates, such as, critical thinking, ethical judgment, professional expertise, effective communication, cultural awareness, self-care, and compassionate service. By engaging students as partners in learning and mentoring them toward meaningful lives of service, faculty contribute to their fulfillment as future healthcare professionals.
Relationship to Colleagues
Faculty must respect and support their colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared purpose. Higher education should be a place where teamwork and mutual encouragement thrive, reflecting the core values of whole person education which include intellectual engagement, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership. As such, professional differences should be resolved in a professional manner, ensuring that respect, integrity, and a commitment to student success remain at the forefront. Disparaging remarks or divisive behavior have no place in a Christ-centered, whole-person learning environment.
Faculty must respect and support their colleagues. Higher education thrives when collaboration, trust, and shared mission guide professional relationships.
Consistent with Whole Person Education, faculty are encouraged to cultivate a collegial environment that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and advances shared institutional goals. Professional differences should be resolved respectfully and constructively, reflecting emotional intelligence and ethical integrity.
There is no place for disparaging remarks toward colleagues or students. Faculty contribute to a culture of belonging and fulfillment by supporting one another’s professional growth, scholarship, and service in ways that strengthen the University’s mission.
Relationship to the University and its Administrators
Faculty must support and promote the mission, vision, and policies of the University (See Mission of the University ), recognizing that AHU is committed to whole-person education and the integration of faith, health, and service. When faculty cannot, in good conscience, uphold these principles, they should withdraw from University employment. Faculty are entrusted with shaping both the intellectual and ethical dimensions of the academic community, which includes respecting the terms of their letters of appointment and fulfilling their responsibilities with excellence. They should also demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the Christian values of the University, serving as role models who inspire students to pursue purpose, integrity, and compassionate service in their professional and personal lives.
Faculty are expected to support and promote the mission, vision, values, and policies of the University (See Mission of the University ). This includes advancing AHU’s commitment to Whole Person Education and its strategic priorities related to educational excellence, faculty development, and student growth and success.
Faculty recognize that their letters of appointment carry mutual responsibilities between instructor and institution. When a faculty member cannot, in good conscience, support the mission and direction of the University, they should withdraw from employment.
Faculty are expected to conduct themselves consistent with the Christian values of the University and to contribute positively to a campus culture that promotes belonging, wellbeing, fulfillment, and purpose.
Relationship to the Non-Academic Community
Faculty should actively engage with their communities, churches, and service organizations, contributing according to their capabilities and available time. Whole person education emphasizes that learning extends beyond the classroom into the real world, where faculty can serve as leaders, mentors, and advocates for the well-being of society. While faculty hold personal convictions, they must not publicize their political or religious views if, by doing so, they would demean the reputation of the University or would impair student or community confidence. Instead, they should seek to promote understanding, uphold ethical standards, and demonstrate Christ-centered leadership in their interactions with the broader community.
Faculty are encouraged to contribute to their community according to their capabilities and available time, reflecting AHU’s commitment to service and healthcare as ministry.
As representatives of the University, faculty should exercise discernment in public expressions of political or religious views, ensuring that their actions do not undermine the reputation of the University or impair student or community confidence.
Through professional service, community engagement, and civic responsibility, faculty extend the principles of Whole Person Education beyond the classroom, modeling ethical leadership, compassion, and stewardship in the broader community.
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