Professionalism and Geoethics–Creating a Departmental "Climate" Where Everyone Can Succeed Session 5: The “work” part of this workshop: Develop a Departmental Plan for Faculty

POST DEPARTMENT OR INSTITUTIONAL MISSION, VISION, VALUES STATEMENT HERE MAKE SURE FACULTY DISCUSSION IS FOCUSED ON ALIGNMENT OF THEIR DEPARTMENT CLIMATE PLANS WITH THE OVERALL INSTITUTIONAL MISSION/VISION

Reflect on Department Climate Climate: The atmosphere or ambience of an organization as perceived by its members. An organization’s climate is reflected in its structures, policies, and practices; the demographics of its membership; the attitudes and values of its members and leaders; and the quality of personal interactions. HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR DEPARTMENT TO BE VIEWED BY: STUDENTS (PROSPECTIVE AND ENROLLED, THE ADMINISTRATON, PROFESSIONAL PEERS, THE COMMUNITY?

8 common concerns about department climate: • Lack of respect, consideration, and/orpoliteness • Insufficient sense of community or belonging • Lack of recognition, visibility, and/or value • Ineffective communication • Lack of support or inequitable access to professional development opportunities • Difficulties achieving balance between work and family or personal life • Illegal behaviors and demeaning, sexualizing, hostile, condescending language and behaviors • Retention and/or tenure of women and minority faculty, staff, and students

(In)Civility It takes a toll! Incivility in the Workplace: Incidence and Impact–Lilia M. Cortina, Vicki J. Magley, Jill H. Williams an Regina D. Langhout, Jour. of Occupational Health Psychology, 2001, vol 6 #1, 64-80; "...This study extends the literature on interpersonal mistreatment in the workplace y examining the incidence, targets, instigators, and impacts of incivility (e.g., disrespect, condescension, degradation)...negative effects on job satisfaction, job withdrawal, and career salience. Uncivil workplace experiences were also associated with greater psychological distress."

Diversity—as a Department Goal?

A Department Vision Statement and Inclusiveness? Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences has developed this value statement: We strive to: Act with integrity in research, teaching and service; Mentor our students for current and future success; Treat our stakeholders and each other with collegiality and mutual respect; Create an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all; and Embody Ut Prosim ("That I May Serve") through effective outreach and service.

What is the Department Vision? What are the department’s top priorities to meet department “climate”goals? Tomorrow This Semester In the Coming Year?

SOME SUGGESTIONS Map out where, when and by whom Professionalism will be taught across your curriculum. Conduct a departmental “climate survey” for faculty, staff, students Commit to responsible, evidence-based practices in teaching Write reviews/letters of recommendation to the highest standards Commit to broadening participation, diversity, making your department welcoming for EVERYONE Insist on civility in all department functions Consider making a departmental values statement Ethical leadership starts from the top; set a good example BE PROACTIVE: put policies and procedures in place NOW!