Codes of Conduct and Conflict Resolution

In order to carry on its work of teaching, research, and public service, the University has an obligation to maintain conditions under which the work of its members—the faculty, students and staff—can go forward freely, in accordance with the highest standards of excellence, institutional integrity, and freedom of expression, and with full recognition by all concerned of the rights and privileges, as well as the responsibilities, of those who compose the University community.

These Campus Regulations address the rights and responsibilities of members of the University community as well as others while on University property. These Campus Regulations also address the responsibilities of students as defined herein and provide University-wide standards for implementing regulations as a means of sustaining this community.

Each member of this campus shares the responsibility of maintaining this unique community so that the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service can be achieved.

These Campus Regulations are designed to protect and promote the rights of members of the University, prevent interference with University functions or activities, and assure compliance with all pertinent laws and other applicable University policies. (SW PACAOS 10.10)

• Student and Faculty Codes of Conduct

• Departmental Resources for Conflict Resolution

• Office of the Ombuds

• Office of Equal Opportunity and Discrimination and Prevention, Office of Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance

Students

Graduate students are responsible for meeting not only the academic standards outlined here, but also standards for personal conduct and responsibility outlined in the General Catalog, the Graduate Division Graduate Handbook, and other UC publications.  Students registered in the University of California assume an obligation to act in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution.  Standards of Conduct and processes for reporting violations are outlined in our Student Conduct Code. 

Faculty

The University seeks to provide and sustain an environment conducive to sharing, extending, and critically examining knowledge and values, and to furthering the search for wisdom. Effective performance of these central functions requires that faculty members be free within their respective fields of competence to pursue and teach the truth in accord with appropriate standards of scholarly inquiry.

The faculty’s privileges and protections, including that of tenure, rest on the mutually supportive relationships between the faculty’s special professional competence, its academic freedom, and the central functions of the University. These relationships are also the source of the professional responsibilities of faculty members. It is the intent of the Faculty Code of Conduct to protect academic freedom, to help preserve the highest standards of teaching and scholarship, and to advance the mission of the University as an institution of higher learning. Read more in the Faculty Code of Conduct.

All members of the Department strive to maintain a positive and professional environment fostering constant growth and collegiality. The DCB is composed of a diverse group of individuals, with unique personalities and opinions, who often work long hours together.  We understand that conflicts will arise.  When you are comfortable and safe doing so, you are encouraged to discuss potential disagreements with your colleagues or Primary Research Advisor and work toward agreeable solutions together. In cases where this is not possible, students should seek outside assistance as soon as the problem arises. 

Staff Advisor

The Staff Graduate Program Advisor is available for advice and referral and serves as an initial point of contact for students wishing to vocalize and address concerns. The Staff Advisor can provide impartial feedback on the situation, suggest the role(s) that particular faculty members may play in providing assistance, or advise pursuit of a more formal grievance process if necessary.

Thesis Committee

Existing or potential issues should be presented during your annual thesis committee meeting for review and discussion. You may also call additional meetings of your committee members to address issues as they arise. At your discretion, your Primary Research Advisor may or may not be present for supplemental meetings.

Department Chairperson and Faculty Graduate Advisor

When additional help, guidance, or conflict resolution is needed within the Department, the Chairperson or Faculty Graduate Advisor may be consulted. Either or both of these individuals may also attend regularly scheduled annual or supplemental thesis committee meetings at your request.

DCB Amicus Curiae (AC)

Appointed by the Chairperson, the DCB Amicus Curiae is a member of the faculty who serves as an impartial “ombudsman” for the Department. The AC may be consulted at any point for open discussion about any question or concern. Conversations with the AC may be shared with the Staff Advisor when appropriate, but will otherwise be kept confidential. 

The Office of the Ombuds at UC Santa Barbara provides confidential consultation services to faculty, staff, students, parents, or anyone else with a campus-related concern. The ombuds addresses workplace issues, interpersonal conflict, academic concerns, policy questions, and many other problems, whether as a first step, last resort, or at any point along the way. The Office of the Ombuds is dedicated to ensuring fairness throughout the University and regularly makes recommendations for systemic change.

If you are not satisfied with informal attempts at resolving a conflict, you may choose to initiate a grievance process. The Ombuds can give you information about these types of formal processes but cannot handle or get involved with them. Consulting with the Office of the Ombuds is completely voluntary. All members of the University community have the right to speak with the Office. Retaliation for exercising that right will not be tolerated.

The Equal Opportunity & Discrimination Prevention Office and Title IX & Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance Office are two departments responsible for the University's compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures regarding issues of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment and sexual violence involving students, staff and faculty.

The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and University policy, prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person at the University on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or age. These policies cover admission, employment, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.