Code of conduct

The Mathematical Institute is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive culture where all staff and students feel welcomed, accepted, and heard, irrespective of background, beliefs and cultures.

As part of our code of conduct, each member has a responsibility to cultivate an environment where everyone feels equally valued. The power and diversity of mathematics are embraced by uniting pure and applied mathematicians within a single department and building. This integration fosters collaborations both within the University and beyond.

Expectations

Our expectations:

Treat one another with dignity and respect, appreciating all forms of diversity and having an awareness and consideration of others.
Recognise that differences can lead to varying expectations and interpretations of behaviour but should be respectful of others opinions and feelings while remaining open-minded and aware of implicit biases.
Work together constructively to make everyone feel supported and included – it is not appropriate to make comments or jokes about the protected characteristics of the individual. Such remarks may offend, and may make someone feel excluded from the wider community.

Everyone in the department, including staff, students, and visitors, is expected to adhere to this code of conduct. It is the responsibility of all individuals to follow it and behave in a manner that considers the impact their actions may have on others. Expectations for student conduct within the department align with the guidelines set forth by the University.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to foster a collaborative and respectful environment conducive to academic and personal growth for all members of the Mathematical Institute.

Meetings and lectures, seminars and conferences

Meetings, lectures, seminars, and other events should provide a respectful and inclusive environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas. By participating in our meetings and events, we expect participants to abide by this Code of Conduct and accept the procedure by which any Code of Conduct incidents are resolved.

All interactions should promote equal opportunities and treatment for all participants, there is a zero-tolerance policy for any interactions, intentional or unintentional, that constitute harassment, discrimination or intimidation. While open discussions, debates and challenge are essential elements of academic interaction, it should be done with utmost respect for all involved.

The University’s Code of Practice on meetings and events and the department seminar speaker guidance outlines the goals for improving speaker diversity and creating a learning environment that is conducive to the open and free exchange of ideas and academic debate. Visitors/external parties using the department's meeting rooms and lecture hall facilities are also expected to adhere to this code of conduct. This includes:

This guidance applies in all lectures, classes, and seminars taking place in the department:

Respectful Interaction: Challenges should be directed towards ideas and should never be personal attacks on individuals expressing them. Participants must not use aggressive or intimidating language, and disruptive behaviour such as persistent intervention or repetition of remarks or questions must be avoided. All participants must respond appropriately to requests from the Chair.
Support for less experienced speakers: Support should be given to students and early-career researchers who may have less experience in meetings and seminars. Where the presenter has less experience, it may be helpful to allow only clarification questions during presentations, with other questions reserved for afterwards.
Responsibility of Organisers and Chairs: Organisers and chairs of events and meetings are responsible for promoting and maintaining these principles. Participants should be reminded of the importance of treating others with respect, for example, through stating house rules at the and/or by referring to this Code of Conduct in accompanying information.

Social and networking events

Social and networking events organised by the department, such as informal gatherings and team-building activities, must adhere to the same guidelines as formal academic events. Any form of intimidation, harassment, or discrimination is strictly prohibited. Organisers have the responsibility to promote and maintain these principles, reminding participants of the importance of respectful behaviour and inclusivity, and addressing any issues promptly. Support should be offered to new members or those less familiar with social dynamics to foster inclusivity and respectful exchanges.

Participants should communicate consciously, avoiding aggressive or offensive language and behaviours that could offend others. It is essential to recognise and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures of all participants, remaining open-minded and considerate of different perspectives.

Teaching and supervision

Teaching and supervision should be conducted inclusively to encourage active participation. Staff and students are expected to treat each other with respect. Staff should be aware of the power dynamics in teaching relationships and ensure that any critique or feedback is focused solely on the individual's work and tailored to their level of experience. Supervisors and teachers should avoid any form of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, and be careful not to use offensive language.

Faculty should consider the diverse perspectives of their audience when lecturing and selecting examples and study materials.

Everyone is encouraged to reflect on their communication methods in lectures, seminars, and meetings, and consider the impact on others.

Preventing bullying and harassment

If a member of the Mathematical Institute experiences bullying and/or harassment, there are processes in place to provide guidance and support. Detailed information on how the department aims to prevent bullying and harassment can be found on the department's website.

The department does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation and expects all members of our community and its visitors to treat each other with respect, fairness, and consideration, in line with the University of Oxford's policy on bullying and harassment.

Harassment Advisors are trained to provide initial guidance on how to access further support and advice. Speaking with a Harassment Advisor is an opportunity to voice your concerns in a supportive, confidential, and non-judgemental space; it does not initiate a formal process however, they offer confidential guidance and support on next steps. This includes detailed information on the options available to department members who wish to report an incident of bullying or harassment, either as a victim or an active bystander.

Discrimination

The Mathematical Institute seeks to ensure that no member of its community is unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, or sexual orientation. Adhering to the Equality Act 2010 and the University’s Equality Policy, the department is committed to ensuring that no member of our community is unlawfully discriminated against based on any protected characteristics and embraces diversity amongst its members and seeks to achieve equity in the experience, progression and achievement of all students and staff.

Addressing and resolving incidents

Please report any violation of the code of conduct immediately. If you encounter or witness bullying, harassment, or any behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it promptly.

Multiple reporting options are available to ensure individuals can choose an approach that feels comfortable and manageable. We are committed to addressing these issues swiftly and providing the necessary support for a quick resolution.