DBS Core Values


DBS believes in an inclusive, respectful, and supportive Auburn family

One of the priorities in the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) is fostering diversity and inclusion among undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. We work to create an inclusive environment and are committed to improving the representation of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences. We do this through multiple fronts – from the college-level and departmental-level Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion taskforce to seminars and professional development opportunities, to conducting research into barriers in undergraduate biology. The overarching goal of the department is to foster and encourage diversity at all levels, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, ability, age, religion, and LGBTQIA-status. We do this through proactive development of historically-, socially-, cognitively-, and culturally informed practices implemented in laboratories and classrooms to create equitable research and learning opportunities for everyone.

To ensure that all members of our community can reach their full potential, we insist that everyone within our community treats each other with respect and dignity. We commit to the following principles governing interactions with one another, particularly in interactions between teachers and students and mentors and mentees.

  • All faculty, staff, and students within the Department of Biological Sciences are expected to work towards building a community that is free of bias based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, ability, age, religion, and LGBTQIA-status.
  • All discourse among faculty, staff, and students must be civil and free of personal attacks or disrespectful language, or intent.
  • All teachers, mentors, and supervisors are expected to create environments in which students, mentees, and employees feel supported, safe, and can thrive.

 

To maintain awareness of our implicit biases, we encourage and reward best practices that foster supportive and inclusive work and teaching environments.

Additionally, the following actions will not be tolerated:

  • Infringements on Auburn University’s community members’ civil rights, equal opportunity, or harassment based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, ability, age, religion, and LGBTQIA-status as described in the Auburn University Handbook (http://bulletin.auburn.edu/Policies/NonAcademics/).
  • Language or behavior that is disrespectful, insensitive, or biased.
  • Sexual harassment or unwanted physical contact with others, or threats of such contact.

These expectations are meant to complement existing university, state, and federal regulations.

Undergraduate scholarship, fellowship, and summer research opportunities