BUDS Lab Values in Collaboration and Communication

This guide can help existing and new members understand the academic and professional culture in our group. One of the most enriching parts of our group is its diversity in culture, age, background, race, gender, orientation, and appearance. This situation means that we can't take for granted that everyone is on the same page about professional values.

This guide is designed to set a foundation for the group. It is a wiki so it can be updated based on our discussions.

Be Kind

• Inspired by the GNU Kind Communications Guideslines
• Please think about how to always treat other group members with respect, especially when you disagree with them.
• When you give critical feedback, go out of your way to show that you are criticizing a statement, not a person.
• Please avoid statements about the presumed typical desires, capabilities or actions of some demographic group.
• Please be especially kind to others when saying they made a mistake.

Be Honest

• Always admit when you have made a mistake and take full responsibility for the impact of your actions
• Be as transparent as possible
• Don't sugar-coat your feedback. Constructive feedback is valuable.

Be Professional

• Don't assume that everyone shares your idea of what is appropriate to discuss or share in a professional setting
• Don't make comments, references or share content that is unprofessional. Would you feel uncomfortable if your Grandmother or the Dean of the School was in the room? If so, then wait to share with others in a non-professional setting in which they have the choice to participate.

Be Considerate

• Be on time!
• If you're not able to make it to a meeting on time, give the group a heads up at least 10 minutes beforehand
• Do your best to respond to meeting invites so that everyone knows whether you are attending