Skip to Content
My MSU

The Division of Student Affairs


BEARprint Learning Framework

BEARprint image

Launching in Fall 2025, The BEARprint is Morgan State University’s bold, innovative co-curricular learning framework—two years in the making. More than an initiative, it is the Division of Student Affairs’ enduring commitment to students, intentionally woven into every program, service, and interaction.

The BEARprint is designed to bridge the critical connection between what students learn inside the classroom and how they develop outside of it. Whether a student is navigating a residence hall experience, stepping into a leadership retreat, or serving in the community, The BEARprint ensures those moments contribute meaningfully to their education and future.

Grounded in the nationally recognized ACPA® Curricular Approach, The BEARprint aligns co-curricular experiences with the University’s academic mission, ensuring that every engagement fosters purposeful, lifelong learning. Through close collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners, The BEARprint transforms the Morgan experience into a unified, intentional journey—one that prepares a ‘Morgan-made’ graduate not only to face the world, but to change it.

As the guiding framework for Student Affairs, The BEARprint is the foundation of how we serve, support, and challenge students. It is our signature, shaping the holistic development of every student. 

THE FIVE PILLARS OF THE BEARprint:

THE MORGAN LEGACY: Helping students honor Morganโ€™s history and traditions through education, mentorship, and a commitment to core values. [Click + for full description]

The Morgan Legacy pillar iconThe Morgan Legacy embodies a profound commitment to learning and advancing the cherished traditions of Morgan State University, the surrounding community, and the enduring heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with an unwavering emphasis on being socially conscious and awakened to pressing societal issues. 

It involves a deep understanding of the historical significance and context, recognizing the pivotal role played by those who paved the way for progress and equity. This understanding forms the foundation upon which the legacy is built, and how they are contributing members to Morgan's legacy, guiding their present actions and future aspirations. 

The cultivation and embodiment of core values serve as the bedrock of personal and collective success, reflecting the true essence of a Morganite. This legacy extends to mentorship, where individuals become torchbearers, exemplifying the qualities befitting this tradition and positively contributing to Fair Morgan and the broader community.

It's a timeless commitment to honoring the past with a nuanced understanding, living in the present with purpose, and crafting a better future through the enduring values of education, community, and a dedication to advancing social justice reforms. This commitment seeks to create a more equitable and inclusive society, reflecting a collective consciousness and proactive stance toward issues of justice and equality.

SELF-AWARENESS: Guiding students to develop a strong sense of identity and emotional intelligence for growth and resilience. [Click + for full description]

Self-awareness pillar iconSelf-awareness is an ongoing journey that encapsulates the ability to recognize and understand one's own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, strengths, weaknesses, and values. It goes beyond mere introspection, delving into a deep and intimate connection with one's inner self, fostering a profound understanding of personal identities, motivations, and emotions. Those who possess self-awareness have the capability to thoughtfully evaluate how their actions and attitudes impact both themselves and those around them. This competence empowers them to make well-informed choices, stimulate personal growth, and enhance their well-being across multiple dimensions, including mental, physical, spiritual, and overall self-care.


Self-awareness is a transformative quality that serves as a foundation for acting with integrity. Individuals who align their thoughts, emotions, and actions with their core values and principles navigate life's complexities with resilience. They do so at the convergence of their identities, fostering empathy, honoring diversity, upholding ethical behavior, and cultivating a harmonious connection with themselves and the broader world.

RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNITY: Encouraging students to build meaningful connections and collaborative skills.. [Click + for full description]

rELATIONSHIPS & cOMMUNITY pillar iconRelationships & Community is a dynamic concept that encompasses the art of establishing and nurturing positive relationships and partnerships, essential for both individual and collective success. It involves recognizing the qualities and skills necessary to construct and maintain meaningful connections and implementing strategies to do so consistently. Effective communication is at its core, emphasizing the clear and persuasive expression of thoughts and ideas, both verbally and in written form, while also promoting active listening and understanding. Moreover, it underscores the significance of teamwork and collaboration, where individuals work collectively to achieve common goals, influence peers, and utilize diverse talents and perspectives to generate innovative solutions. Conflict competence is another integral facet, involving the peaceful navigation and management of conflicts, always anchored in respect.

CAREER SUCCESS: Preparing students to lead with professional excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving world. [Click + for full description]

Career Success pillar iconCareer success entails the strategic alignment of one's strengths, values, and beliefs with career choices, forging a path that resonates with personal principles and cultivates a fulfilling professional journey. This journey encompasses not only achieving desired positions, recognition, or entrepreneurial pursuits but also embracing personal growth within one's profession. It's a dynamic process that transcends mere accomplishments, focusing on finding fulfillment in both professional achievements and personal satisfaction.

This ongoing journey towards career success is enriched by various elements, including career advancement, job satisfaction, financial stability, and holistic personal growth, acknowledging the significance of both professional and personal environments. Moreover, the cultivation of leadership skills remains pivotal, enabling individuals to adeptly guide, inspire, and mobilize their teams towards shared objectives, guiding them to academic excellence.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Attaining success in one's career demands a diverse skill set encompassing communication, critical thinking, adaptability, industry-specific expertise, ethical behavior, undergraduate research, and technological proficiency. Additionally, nurturing leadership qualities such as empathy, resilience, and proficient delegation fosters positive work cultures and encourages collaborative environments.

In essence, achieving career success is the culmination of strategic planning, professionalism, well-informed decision-making, and continual skill development through experiential learning, undergraduate research, and leveraging technology. Such holistic preparation equips individuals to navigate and thrive within the evolving demands and complexities of the professional world.

INCLUSION & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Inspiring students to advance equity and civic engagement, making a positive impact on society. [Click + for full description]

Inclusion & Social Responsibility pillar iconInclusion & Social Responsibility represents a commitment to creating diverse and welcoming spaces where all individuals, regardless of their background, abilities, or identities, are genuinely valued and respected, and provided with equal opportunities to thrive. Social responsibility extends this principle by encouraging individuals and communities to actively engage in improving society, addressing social inequalities, and upholding ethical values, with the aim of fostering a more equitable and just world for all. It entails identifying areas of need within communities, effectively assessing available resources for their development, and advocating for an inclusive environment. Furthermore, it involves applying the values, knowledge, and skills acquired to actively contribute to the betterment of communities and promote positive social change. Central to this vital journey is the profound acknowledgment and deliberate understanding of cultural differences. It requires an earnest commitment to learning, valuing, and bridging these differences through introspection and intentional efforts. Recognizing and appreciating diverse cultural perspectives becomes pivotal in navigating societal complexities, fostering empathy, and building inclusive communities. Inclusion is not only a principle but a dynamic and transformative process, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone's contributions are valued, resulting in a more equitable and compassionate society.

BRIDGING ACADEMIC AND CO-CURRICULAR LEARNING

BEARprint wheelThe BEARprint is designed to complement faculty-led learning in the classroom by reinforcing the same skills and values across co-curricular programs and services. By aligning our efforts, we:

  • Reinforce the outcomes faculty already teach in their courses.
  • Provide students with co-curricular experiences that deepen critical thinking, career readiness, and civic engagement.
  • Offer a shared language of learning that connects syllabi, student organizations, leadership programs, and campus-wide initiatives.

The BEARprint is a shared framework that connects the classroom with campus life. It ensures that every Morgan student is equipped not only with the knowledge and skills needed for their careers, but also with the capacity to grow as leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.

WHY IT MATTERS

๐ŸŽ“For Students: A clear, consistent, and intentional path for developing self-awareness, career readiness, civic    responsibility, and leadership skills-just look for THE BEARprint pillar icons on program offerings.

๐Ÿ‘ช For Parents: A framework to support your student’s journey and provide opportunities for meaningful conversations.

๐Ÿ“˜ For Faculty: Opportunities to connect coursework with co-curricular experiences, co-sponsor programs, and contribute to holistic student success. 

๐Ÿ›๏ธ  For Staff: A shared philosophy and structure that fosters innovation, collaboration, and cross-campus alignment.

๐Ÿป For Alumni: A way to share your legacy and inspire the next generation of Bears.

PARENTS & FAMILIES

Your support is crucial to your student’s success. Become familiar with THE BEARprint and engage your student in conversations about their experiences with the pillars. Understanding the framework allows you to better support your student’s journey at Morgan State University.

FACULTY & CAMPUS PARTNERS

Consider integrating THE BEARprint into the student experience through:

  • Co-Sponsoring Events: Incorporating BEARprint pillars into guest lectures, panels, and campus-wide programs.
  • Integrate The BEARprint into coursework by linking assignments to one or more learning domains.
  • Course Projects: Linking classroom assignments to The BEARprint pillars (e.g., community-based projects, career readiness reflections, or leadership challenges).
  • Research & Assessment: Partnering to measure student learning across academic and co-curricular settings, ensuring alignment with divisional learning goals.

The Morgan LegacyWhat legacy will you leave at Morgan State University—and how will it continue to shape the world beyond our campus? #EveryBearLeavesAMark #BEARprint

THE BEARprint logo