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Crustal Petrology and Geochemistry Lab Code of Conduct

The Crustal Petrology and Chemistry Lab (CPGL) is strongly committed to upholding the values of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA). To this end, the CPGL will foster an environment in which all members feel comfortable, safe, and supported as they conduct their research or work. This Code of Conduct is provided to communicate the behaviour expected of all members in interpersonal settings, their research, the lab, and the field.

See also the Saint Mary’s University student code of conduct

https://www.smu.ca/webfiles/8-1020_CodeOfStudentConduct.pdf

and academic integrity statement

https://smu-ca-public.courseleaf.com/undergraduate/academic-integrity-student-responsibility/.

Interpersonal conduct

• Maintain professionalism and communicate with others respectfully.

• Respect the culture, heritage, background, and identity of other members, and avoid judgment related to others’ differences.

• Harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. All members should understand and avoid microaggressions, see this resource for more details: https://www.torontomu.ca/equity/resources/discourse-docs/microaggressions/

• Be humble and accept responsibility if you have made a mistake.

• If you witness inappropriate conduct, speak up or tell someone (your supervisor, department chair, etc.).

Research conduct

Conduct and present your research with integrity. See Saint Mary’s University policy on integrity in research and scholarship for full details https://www.smu.ca/webfiles/SenatePolicyStatementonIntergrityinResearchandScholarship.pdf

Some examples are provided here:

• Do not falsify or modify of data (including images).

• Any applications you submit (scholarships, grants, etc.) must contain complete and true information.

• Be aware of plagiarism. Always credit the original creator of ideas and short quotes. If you wish to reproduce a figure or a long quotation from a journal article or other published resource in your work, you will need to receive permission first (from the copyright holder, usually the publisher). See these guides on plagiarism for more details https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/plagiarism and https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/avoiding-plagiarism.pdf

Authorship on research articles and presentations is an important aspect of academic research. The CPGL follows the Vancouver Protocol regarding authorship (https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html), summarized here:

• The first author is the person who has primarily written the article or prepared the presentation, while also making important intellectual contributions (data processing and interpretation, etc.)

• Subsequent authors should include the supervisor(s) and anyone else who has made a significant intellectual contribution to the research. If someone’s input or decisions have clearly influenced the outcome of the research, they should be included as an author.

• Anyone who contributes to the research but does not meet the above criteria should be included in the acknowledgements section.

• All co-authors must either participate in writing or critically reviewing the written work.

• All co-authors must give their approval of the final version of the work and must agree to be accountable for its contents.   

Conduct in the CPGL lab space (S409)

• Clean up after yourself and put any tools/supplies back in their place.

• Use microscopes with care. Do not leave any thin sections on the stage when you are finished and do not push/pull on objectives to change magnification.

• Please ensure that the door to the lab is closed when the last person is leaving for the day.

• Do not store anything in the fume hood.

• If an incident resulting in injury occurs, your first priority is to promptly receive first aid and then notify your supervisor(s) of the incident as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to obtain further medical treatment if necessary.

• If an incident occurs that could result in injury (e.g., chemical spill, broken glass), notify your supervisor(s) as soon as possible.

Conduct in the field

During fieldwork, two or more members of the group will work together and possibly live together, sometimes in remote locations. This may create situations that are new and potentially uncomfortable for some group members. Any specific concerns related to fieldwork should be raised with your supervisor(s) and these will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. General rules and expectations are provided here:

• Always treat fellow group members with respect in the field. Understand that other members have different experiences and backgrounds – use compassion instead of judgment if someone is unfamiliar with a task and needs help.

• Safety is paramount in the field. Always wear safety glasses while hammering and never hammer above your head. Do not engage in reckless behaviour at the outcrop or anywhere else (on the road, in accommodations, etc.).

• Preparing food can be an important part of fieldwork. Be mindful of others’ dietary needs and handle food safely.

• Alcohol consumption after work hours is permitted but must be done so responsibly. Never pressure others into drinking.

• Do not leave garbage in the field. This includes menstrual products. Keep a small garbage bag with you while out in the field to collect your trash.

• Do not push yourself if you are feeling unwell. Notify your group members and/or supervisor(s) if you feel unwell.

• If an incident resulting in injury occurs, your first priority is to promptly receive first aid and then notify your supervisor(s) of the incident as soon as possible. Seek out further medical treatment if necessary.

• Never feel pressured to forced to do anything in the field that makes you feel unsafe or you feel is beyond your physical capabilities.