Richards College of Business students finished up their semester making a pact—a Wolf Pact, in fact.

In an effort to introduce business students to the idea of ethical business standards as early as possible, the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business recently introduced students to the Wolf Pact: A commitment by the Richards College of Business family to honesty, integrity, professionalism, and accountability for ethical behavior, and respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others.

“We’re hoping that this reinforces a very positive culture of professional behavior,” said Richards College of Business Associate Dean Dr. Brad Prince. “Our students aren’t unprofessional, but we want to emphasize the importance of that behavior. And we want to introduce this idea to them early because a lot of businesses have things like this, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, etc., so this is our way of introducing them to that kind of concept now.”

The college hosted an event around the first signing of the pact, inviting students for refreshments, to sign the one-of-a-kind HOWL for UWG wolf statue, and to pick up a Wolf Pact long-sleeved shirt.

“Everyone who has come in has been very excited about signing the wolf,” Dr. Prince said. “Having the event has really captured their attention.”

Brittany Thomas, a transfer student from Kennesaw State University, said she was eager to sign the wolf.

"I’m so excited to participate in an event that shows my UWG school pride!” Brittany said.

According to Dr. Prince, the Wolf Pact also has its own visual identity, which will be placed on professors’ syllabi and exams as a reminder of their agreement with the Richards College of Business. However, Dr. Prince said this isn’t just about academic honesty.

“It’s a more positive approach than just an academic honor code that says, ‘You’re in trouble if you cheat.’ This is really bigger than that. This is about professional behavior beginning now, and it is going to carry on throughout their careers regardless of the job they have.”

Richards College of Business administrators also hope it will create a further sense of unity among students.

“We hope that they will all feel like they’re a part of something and that they made their mark on the college of business, because they were here when the Wolf Pact started and they were the initial set of students who got to sign the wolf,” Dr. Prince said. “We’re really hoping that this is the beginning of a very positive culture of professional behavior.”

During the initial roll-out, more than 200 students signed the Wolf Pact and the HOWL for UWG wolf, which will be mounted in front of Miller Hall after it is sealed.