As a member of The University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge; act with fairness, integrity, and respect; embrace and uphold the dignity of all; foster individual and civic responsibility; and strive for excellence in all I do.
The Capstone Creed is a statement of principles that guide each student that attends The University of Alabama. Each incoming freshman class pledges to uphold the Capstone Creed during convocation at the start of each academic year.
A Brief History of the Creed
The Capstone Creed was first established by the Student Leaders Council in Spring 2000. The group sought to foster a discussion of campus culture among student leaders in an effort to identify the core values that sustain members of the University community. The Student Leaders Council recognized that the Capstone experience is not limited to formal affiliation with the University during enrollment and that the University community does not end at the geographic boundaries of campus. This group of talented students worked for three years to craft a statement embodying the essence of the legacy of a student at The University of Alabama and the values manifested by the experience.
The Creed has largely held its original form, with updates last being made in Spring 2025. In Fall 2019, the Capstone Creed Initiative was established by the Student Government Association to create a dialogue surrounding the Capstone Creed and its meaning. Although the Creed was not changed, the meaning of it was heightened through these efforts.
The Capstone Creed is celebrated during Capstone Creed Week, which serves as a reminder to all students of the values that the UA community believes in, both during their time on campus and as alumni.