Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for the REU/RET program

It is the policy of the REU/RET program in Physics and Astronomy (P&A) at Brigham Young University (BYU) that all participants, including mentees, faculty mentors, staff, and all other stakeholders will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Participants will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment throughout the program. Creating a supportive environment to enable scientific research and learning is the responsibility of all participants, on and off campus.

Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, 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, and stalking.

Violations of this code of conduct policy should be reported to program organizers. Retaliation for complaints of inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. If a participant observes inappropriate comments or actions and personal intervention seems appropriate and safe, they should be considerate of all parties before intervening.

(Adapted from the American Physical Society professional code of conduct at meetings)

BYU Honor Code

In addition to the above code of conduct, participants are expected to adhere to the BYU Honor Code. BYU is run by the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes referred to as the LDS or “Mormon” Church), and the honor code includes a few specific church standards. The full honor code for church members is found here: https://policy.byu.edu/view/church-educational-system-honor-code but here are some important parts of it. Note that some of the standards for LDS church members (e.g. regular church attendance) are not required for non-members whereare others can be adapted towards the student's individual situation. The following, however, are required.

  • Be honest.
  • Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from any sexual relations outside a marriage between a man and a woman.
  • Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, marijuana, and other substance abuse.
  • Follow other campus policies such as the dress and grooming standards (see https://policy.byu.edu/view/dress-and-grooming-standards, e.g. no beards allowed for men) and student housing policy (see https://policy.byu.edu/view/student-housing-policy, e.g. opposite sex visitors in single student apartments are only permitted in common areas and not in bedrooms).