RA responsibilities

DO NOT change your schedule without getting approval from Lab Manager first; you are important to the functioning of the lab and we rely on you being here when you are scheduled to be here! Please be on time for all your scheduled hours.

If you need time off, notify your Lab Manager before the date you need off in order to schedule make up hours. If you are an in-lab RA, you will need to reach out to other in-lab RAs to cover your shift. If you need a day off when you are already scheduled to run an appointment, please find someone to cover and run this appointment as soon as possible. If you cannot find someone to cover the appointment, it will need to be rescheduled.

If you are sick, notify Lab Manager before you are scheduled to be in the lab. You can send a DM on GroupMe or text (the current Lab Manager Allison's phone number is 740-833-5985)

You will need to make up all hours that you miss; your prompt and reliable attendance is one of the primary criteria for a passing grade if you are receiving course credit.

Consequences: if you do not show up when you are scheduled and do not provide notification prior to your scheduled time you will not be permitted to continue working in the lab.

Composure

This is a professional lab, please dress and act accordingly; if in doubt, don’t do it. 

No loud music or loud conversation; this is disruptive to experiments. Please bring headphones if you want to listen to music while you work. 

Always be respectful of parents, children, REP research participants, and each other.

Consequences: if you are disrespectful to others, you will not be permitted to continue working in the lab, as we want all our researchers to feel respected and valued.

Equipment Care

DO NOT download anything onto the lab computers, there is too great a risk of downloading viruses and infecting sensitive systems used in research. 

DO NOT use your personal flash drive in lab computers, the risk of transporting viruses between computers is too great; if you need a flash drive, it  will be provided, please ask Lab Manager.

DO NOT use any equipment that you are not trained to use; if you are interested in learning to use equipment, please ask Lab Manager!

DO NOT take food or beverages near the lab computers or equipment.

Printers are for lab use only, not homework or other personal items.

Consequences: misuse of, or damage to, the lab equipment will result in you not being permitted to continue working in the lab.

Communication

Check your OSU email and CogDev GroupMe daily; important messages and updates about procedure will be emailed to you by the Lab Manager or Research Coordinator. 

If you do not understand how to do something you are asked to do, please ask! You can send a GroupMe DM or email to the Lab Manager or Research Coordinator if you have already asked other RAs and they do not know.

If you are ever in a situation where you feel uncomfortable with a parent, REP participant, or other lab worker, please leave the situation immediately and tell Lab Manager or another staff or faculty member so the situation can be addressed! Your safety is very important to us. 

If you are unsure of what you need to do when you arrive, please ask the other RAs in the lab what needs to be done. If you are still unsure, you can ask the Lab Manager or Research Coordinator.