It is the policy of the UMBC Physics Department that all members, including faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Members of the Department will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment in all Department meetings, activities, and spaces. Creating a supportive environment to enable learning, and discovery is the responsibility of all Department members.
Members shall avoid engaging in biased, demeaning, intimidating, coercive, harassing, or hostile conduct or commentary, whether seriously or in jest, based on individual characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to:
- inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language,
- unwelcome jokes or comments,
- unwanted touching or attention,
- offensive images,
- photography without permission,
- and stalking.
If a department member observes inappropriate comments or actions and personal intervention seems appropriate and safe, they should be considerate of all parties before intervening. If an individual experiences or witnesses harassment or misconduct and wishes to file a formal report or inquire about possible actions, they should contact the Department Chair, or the Associate Chair, or the GPDs. All complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially and responded to promptly.
Members of the Physics Department shall familiarize themselves with UMBC’s code of conduct. This code, which applies to all students, staff and faculty, establishes a formal procedure to report or initiate referral related to sexual misconduct, discrimination, or bias impacting or involving UMBC students, employees, faculty, staff, interns, affiliates, contractors, volunteers and visitors including:
- Sexual and Gender Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Coercion, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Intimidation, Interpersonal Violence, Relationship Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, Cyber Harassment or Cyber Stalking.
- Discrimination or harassment based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, ancestry, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, veterans’ status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or genetic information.
- Hate/ Bias incident.
- Retaliation for reporting or participating in the resolution of any of the issues above.