Effective May 24, 2024
Effective May 24, 2024 [PDF version]
The commitment of the UCSC Department of Mathematics, including faculty, staff, and students, revolves around creating an atmosphere characterized by respect, collegiality,and sensitivity. Adhering to university policies on discrimination and harassment is fundamental, but we go beyond that by actively working to establish a warm and supportive environment for everyone. While basic common sense and good judgment are generally sufficient guidance, we acknowledge that certain questions about appropriate behavior may be intricate and nuanced. Rather than fixating on this delicate balance, we encourage faculty, staff, and students to prioritize interactions that are genuinely respectful and supportive, rather than merely appropriate.
Each individual, whether a student, postdoctoral/professional researcher, faculty member, staff member, or visitor, is expected to interact with one another in a manner characterized by respect and consideration. Embracing a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and opinions is essential for fostering scientific creativity and productivity. Prioritizing the establishment of a climate that nurtures the development of everyone involved in our department’s activities is a top priority for us.
Helpful Behavior
By embodying these behaviors, individuals can contribute to creating a positive and thriving academic environment within the Mathematics department.
■ Step up to create a positive environment: be part of our community and take opportunities to help others feel welcome. Encourage mutual respect for similarities and differences– in background, expertise, judgments, and assigned responsibilities, with the goal of establishing mutual trust between colleagues.
■ Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative. Understand that behavior can have an adverse impact on others, even in the absence of malicious intent
by the actor.
■ Consider the impact of your words, be it spoken or written, and actions on the people around you. Avoid demeaning others or aggressively challenging their competence, abilities and intent.
■ Be aware and welcoming when you find that others have different experiences and perspectives from yours; encourage diverse opinions.
■ Speak up if you witness damaging behavior and/or report it afterward.
■ Listen carefully and respectfully if someone speaks up about your own behavior, and try not to be defensive or dismissive. Consider positive changes you can make.
■ Alert campus personnel if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in
distress.
Following-up
For guidance about your own behavior, or if you think you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment of any kind, we urge you to seek advice and support. Any member of the faculty or staff whom you trust is an appropriate contact person. In particular, you may contact the Department Chair or the UCSC Ombudsperson. When addressing concerns about discrimination or harassment, the faculty and staff endeavor to proceed discreetly, respecting the privacy of individuals insofar as possible. However, in some cases, policy or law may require that department members contact an appropriate university authority. Title IX-related (sex discrimination, sexual harassment or violence) issues: please be aware that university employees are mandated to report incidents to the UCSC Title IX office (see details here).
Acknowledgement
This code of conduct has been adapted from several sources, including the UCSC Physics Department Code of Conduct and UCLA Mathematics Department Statement on Collegiality.