Members of WatLIT have come together to identify their principles and values to maintain a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming environment for everyone. This document is a summary of that collaboration and reflects the time it was written. This document will be periodically revised as need.
General Principles
We aim to be more than colleagues by:
- Following the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
- “Being your neighbors’ keeper.” Checking in to see how people are doing.
- Going the extra mile to help someone, and asking for help, both professionally and personally, when needed.
- Listening, as well as talking, and by giving other people an opportunity to contribute.
- Give your full attention to the speaker during meetings and presentations (in-person and online).
Research Ethics and Academic Integrity
We strive to produce impactful, ethical, and honest research contributions and abide by the following guidelines in our work:
- Work with honesty and integrity.
- Give credit to people who make intellectual contributions to the work, but no gratuitous or gift authorship. Consider acknowledgements for technical contribution. [COPE = Committee on Publication Ethics].
- Authors should see the manuscript and have an opportunity to review before submission.
- Properly cite original source.
- No plagiarism (self or from others).
- Statistical analysis: “be true to the data”, no “cherry picking” – include all viewpoints, even those contrary to your hypothesis.
- Include validation and verification of results whenever possible.
- Integrity during reviews: no “coercive citations”, treat papers as confidential, be fair in your review.
- Strive to make new and meaningful research contributions – not just “turning the crank.”
- Use Generative Artificial Intelligence (e.g., "ChatGPT") responsibly. It is a useful tool for preliminary research, but any information gained through these tools should be double-checked. See UW's Academic Policy on Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT.
Working Environment and Conflict Resolution
Everyone has the right to work in a safe and welcoming environment. We accomplish this by:
- Becoming familiar with and following the University of Waterloo Policies on Workplace Violence and Harassment and Ethical Behaviour.
- Acting professionally and being considerate of other people, and by considering the impact of our words and actions.
- Using equipment responsibly and safely. This includes reading the instructions and SOP prior to using equipment, getting appropriate training when necessary, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and by following the given procedure.
- Knowing your rights! You have the right to participate in workplace safety, the right to know about hazards, and the right to refuse unsafe work.
- Keeping workspaces clean. Putting tools away appropriately.
- Ensuring access to equipment is fair and using schedules when appropriate.
- Dealing with issues and people respectfully, openly, and directly
- Giving people adequate notice if you need something.
- Respecting people's work/life balance and private time outside of working hours.
- In the event of a conflict, the involved individuals should attempt to resolve the issue through respectful dialogue. If the issue persists or an individual is not comfortable with addressing the other party, they can talk to the lab supervisor or another lab member in confidence. In the event of substantial harassment or academic misconduct, the lab supervisor must be notified.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We recognize that talent is dependent on the individual and not their background. Because a diversity of viewpoints is beneficial for the progression of research and beyond, we promote equity, diversity, and inclusion by:
- Using inclusive language. Not using language that conflicts with someone's identity.
- Being cognizant if English is not another person’s first language. Remembering that people may interpret certain phrases differently.
- Discussing and celebrating cultural differences.
- Taking the time to actively listen to other’s experiences, theories, beliefs, etc.
- Not allowing stereotypes to cloud one’s judgment, and being aware of our own personal and unconscious biases.
- Being inclusive and open-minded.
- Being an ally; learning more about equity-deserving groups and the barriers they face.
- Participating in activities that promote EDI.