Office Life
Our departmental culture is inclusive and democratic, with a sense of mutual respect and support. Members enjoy working within the beautiful purpose-built Andrew Wiles Building, which reflects the beauty and power of mathematics in small architectural details.
We expect all to be polite, courteous, considerate to each other, and treat each other with kindness and respect.
Our building
In general, we encourage you to leave your door open so that people know you are in and available. Of course, there will be occasions when some of us need to close our doors for privacy or to avoid bothering others.
The building is intended to be a quiet contemplative space, so consider when it might be more appropriate to book a meeting room, and be mindful to avoid loud and disruptive behaviour, and be considerate to your roommates (switching mobiles to silent, for example). We also have a first aid room, and a wellbeing room - contact @email if you need access.
Please treat the building and your office with respect - if there is something you need help with, or notice in need of repair, please contact the FM team.
Within the kitchenettes, the fridges are available for storing daily supplies, please don't use them for your supermarket shop! Do put dirty mugs, etc. in the dishwasher, clear up any spillages, and don't leave food in your office when you go on leave.
We can't accept responsibility for personal possessions kept in offices, or for personal deliveries to the department.
Bulletin
The departmental Bulletin is emailed to all members each Friday afternoon; this is our primary form of departmental communication and it is how you will find out what is happening across the department - we strongly encourage you to read it each week! If you have any items for inclusion, please send them to @email by Thursday lunchtime.
Smoking policy
Smoking / vaping is not permitted anywhere in the Andrew Wiles Building including on the roof terraces. Smoking is only permitted outside at dedicated marked smoking points on the ROQ site (there is a smoking point in the Humanities Courtyard, beyond the chapel).
Dress code
While the dress code of the department is informal, please dress appropriately and wear clothes suitable for an office environment.
IT / Social Media policies
Departmental computers, IT systems, and services are provided for operational working needs. Web browsing while on a break is fine, but be aware of the IT rules and policies that cover the use of departmental and university systems and office telephones. Occasional use of social media channels during the day is allowed (so long as it doesn't involve inappropriate content) but this mustn't interfere with office commitments and job duties, so should generally be avoided during your working hours - see the university's guidance on the use of social media for more info.
Social events
The department organises a number of social events, such as our weekly Happy Hour on Fridays @ 5pm during term time. These events are designed to give staff members chance to take a break away from their desks, to recharge and spend time with colleagues, including those who they may not work with directly.
Although such social events are informal settings and alcohol, soft drinks and nibbles may be provided in moderation, it is important to remember that you are still on-site in a work environment and therefore must conduct yourself accordingly. The same applies to social elements of an event for departmental members, such as a lunch break or post-event networking drinks.
In addition, the department's spaces must not be used for self-organised social activities in general, such as parties (with or without alcohol), movie nights, games nights etc. Should you wish to discuss hosting such activities in the building, please liaise with the Events team to explore what is possible, noting that there will be an associated cost for room hire.