Discernment Guide: Reflecting on USF's Vision, Mission, and Values Statement

This process is meant to facilitate deep listening that will inform a re-articulation of the university’s mission statement. Guided by principles of Ignatian discernment, participants are asked to respect differences, presume the good will and wisdom of each person, and approach the conversation with openness toward the outcome. The process is meant to engage the heart, particularly the dynamics of consolation (freedom, purpose, integration) and desolation (imbalance, tension, isolation). Facilitators are encouraged to follow this framework, even if it feels unfamiliar, trusting that it will foster an inclusive discernment around these two questions:

1. What resonates with you or evokes joy, freedom, or integration? What expresses the unique value of USF?
2. What evokes dissonance, concern, or tension? Is something missing?

We suggest working in groups of 10 or less, using breakout rooms, if necessary, and dedicating 60-90 minutes to the meeting. Facilitators are encouraged to set a contemplative tone at the start of the meeting by evoking a moment of silence or reading a prayer, poem, or meditation.
 

Spend a few moments in quiet with one another, prayerfully reading USF’s vision, mission and values statement.

1.Round One: The facilitator will call on each person, who will speak for a predetermined period of time (1-2 minutes), sharing their response to the first question. During this round, people are encouraged to just listen and not engage in cross-talk. Hopefully, everyone present will participate in this round.

Spend a few moments in quiet, reflecting on what you have heard.

2.Round Two: The facilitator will call on each person once again, who will speak for a predetermined period of time (1 minute), sharing something that moved them, or something they thought was important in what they heard in round one. Once again, during this round people are encouraged to just listen and not engage in cross-talk. You may pass during this round if you don't have something you would like to share.

Spend a few moments in quiet, reflecting on what you have heard.

3. Spend a predetermined amount of time (5-10 minutes) in open conversation with one another.
 

Once you have finished this process for question number one, repeat the process for question number two.

Facilitators are asked to note 3-5 areas of consensus or significance in the conversation to report back to the Mission Council. Names should be omitted to promote open sharing.