Research group code of conduct

Be professional. Everyone in the research team deserves to be treated with respect and recognition. Professional behavior is expected during work hours, which includes:

• Being punctual for meetings

• Not invading the privacy of the research team members

• Cleaning up your workspace and shared areas

• Observing all safety procedures

• Assuming responsibility for your mistakes 

• Communicating any problems clearly and promptly to Dr. Tara McGee

• If you cannot make it to a scheduled meeting, let Dr. Tara McGee know as soon as possible.

• Learning is a priority. Research team members should positively contribute to the learning environment by assisting one another, sharing resources, etc.  Everyone benefits from collaboration so be receptive to suggestions.  All questions are welcomed.

• Professional Communication. Always use welcoming and inclusive language. Refrain from making exclusionary comments, jokes, threats, or employing violent language. Do not address others in an angry, intimidating, or demeaning manner. 

• Inclusive workplace. 

• Respect preferred pronouns. When speaking to or about others, make yourself aware of their preferred pronouns and do not deliberately misgender them.

• Be mindful of how others may be affected by your words. It is not acceptable to engage in offensive behavior or make offensive remarks about another person's gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or way of life. 

• Observe dietary restrictions, familial responsibilities, religious observances, and other factors when arranging meetings and other research group activities.

Please refer to the following sources for more information,

• https://www.ualberta.ca/equity-diversity-inclusion/index.html

• https://www.ualberta.ca/natural-applied-sciences/portfolio/edi/edi-in-cnas.html

• The importance of mental health. Postsecondary education and working in a postsecondary institution research group can be stressful for faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff.  This research group prioritizes the importance of mental health, and we believe in work/life balance.  Please reach out to your colleagues and Dr. McGee if you are facing mental health challenges and need assistance.  We are here to support you.  The University provides the following resources that may be useful to group members:   

• https://www.ualberta.ca/campus-life/health-wellness-services.html

• https://www.ualberta.ca/campus-community-recreation/index.html

• https://www.ualberta.ca/human-resources-health-safety-environment/culture-and-well-being/index.html

• We do not tolerate harassment. Harassment is a single or repeated incident of objectionable or unwelcome conduct, comment, bullying, or action by a person that the person knows or ought to reasonably know will or would cause offence or humiliation or adversely affects the person’s health and safety.  Group members who are being harassed should reach out to Dr. McGee if they feel comfortable doing so.  The Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights provides an online disclosure tool.  Students who feel they are being harassed can also reach out to the office of the Dean of Students.  Staff who are being harassed can also reach out to HR partner Brigitte Martin (brigitte2@ualberta.ca).  

Please consult the sources below for additional safety precautions for harassment prevention and reporting advice, 

• Sexual Assault Centre

• Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights

• https://www.ualberta.ca/dean-of-students/policies/student-conduct-and-accountability/reporting-misconduct.html

• Ensure every member can participate in conversations. Keep your comments brief during group meetings so that everyone can participate. Hold off on making disagreement-based comments until after someone else has finished speaking. 

• If you witness something inappropriate, a gentle reminder of the Code of Conduct is a productive response. If you believe a situation necessitates further intervention, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. McGee.   

• For non-office hours emergencies please dial 911 or https://www.ualberta.ca/protective-services/index.html