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The following principles are designed to ensure that the OSU School of Earth Sciences meets the highest standard of professionalism and that all members (faculty, staff, and students) feel welcome and respected.As such, all members are expected to follow these principles regardless of location, whether on campus, at conferences, in the field, etc.
(Principles were adapted from the Princeton Physics Department and GSA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct)
Respect and support department members:
- Respect the professional, physical, and personal boundaries of all members of SES;
- Take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure safety in the laboratory, field, and other professional settings. Notify the appropriate authorities of any violations or incidents that appear to create a threat to public health and safety;
- Be courteous in your interactions.
- Be respectful of other peoples’ opinions. Give members a chance to voice their thoughts (i.e., listen, try not to interrupt);
- Ensure that, when offered, criticism is constructive and aims to create positive discussion;
- Work to ensure that all members have equal access to professional and academic opportunities. Use clear, unbiased criteria when making decisions and taking actions that affect members’ professional and academic opportunities;
- For those in positions of power, treat students and others under authority respectfully, without exploitation or denigrating language. Provide a safe, supportive environment to encourage learning and professional development;
- Do not judge, discriminate, or make unwelcome jokes or disparaging remarks based on race, ethnicity, country of birth, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical ability and appearance, religious beliefs, age, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. Do not tolerate others who do so;
- Do not engage in professional or personal retaliation against other members;
- Support those who report violations of departmental or university policy
Commit to openness:
- Be receptive to discussions of ways to improve the work environment and work relationships
- Challenge your own assumptions about people and the sources of those assumptions
- Take it upon yourself to establish equity for all persons. Consider the particular challenges or barriers to success that colleagues may face as members of under-represented groups
- Here, equity refers to providing people resources needed to succeed, even if that differs from individual to individual. This is distinct from equality, which gives all individuals the same resources regardless of their starting point.
Take initiative:
- Intervene when others are exhibiting conduct unbecoming of a community member
- Speak up when colleagues are disrespectful of a group or class of people (even when members of that group are not present)
- Seek and support opportunities for education and training on diversity, inclusivity, reporting, and bystander intervention techniques, and encourage others to do the same
- Acquaint yourself with university policy as set forth in OSU policy on sexual misconduct and codes of conduct;stay up to date with changes in the university policy
- Know methods for reporting problems and violations of the code of conduct
All SES members are encouraged to read additional guidelines from scientific societies and professional organizations for reference. Select examples are included below:
