Statement on Collegiality

UC Berkeley Department of Astronomy Statement on Collegiality, Respect, and Sensitivity

The Department of Astronomy is committed to maintaining the highest standard of equity, respect, and sensitivity for all of its members and affiliates. To ensure a safe and productive work environment, we encourage everyone to look beyond what is merely acceptable, and work to ensure that all our actions and interactions are genuinely respectful and supportive of each individual, and of our mutual goals and needs. To help maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, we actively uphold the University policies regarding discrimination and harassment and the campus’ Principles of Community. In addition to using the various on-campus services that provide guidance and support for incidents of any concern witnessed or experienced, we urge that you seek advice and support from either a trusted faculty or staff member, in particular the Chair, Vice Chair, Equity Advisor, and/or the university resources listed below. When bringing concerns about discrimination or harassment forward, we will treat these with discretion while adhering to the university policies and laws governing our behavior. While respecting the privacy of individuals, department members are required by law to contact an appropriate university authority in cases involving certain serious potential violations of campus and University policy.

Below is a list of department and university resources that can assist you.

 

General concerns in the Astronomy Department

Undergraduate Student Matters:

Graduate Student Matters:

Faculty Matters:

Staff Matters:

Sexual harassment and other discrimination issues (Berkeley campus)

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State Law and the University’s nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. This nondiscrimination policy covers student admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities. It also covers faculty (Senate and non-Senate) and staff in their employment.

Title IX and Title VI. This 1972 federal legislation prohibits all forms of sex (Title IX) and race (Title VI) discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding.

The Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD), monitors and evaluates institutional efforts to meet these requirements, and implements the University of California Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence, and other nondiscrimination policies.

Denise Oldham is the campus Title IX & Title VI compliance officer, and the Director of OPHD.  If you feel that you have experienced or witnessed discrimination in the Astronomy Department, or in the University, do not hesitate to contact OPHD staff with any concerns you have:

OPHD
Email: ask_ophd@berkeley.edu
Phone: 643-7985

More Sexual Harassment and Violence Resources

Student Grievance Procedure (Berkeley Campus)
The Berkeley Campus Student Grievance Procedure gives you an opportunity to resolve complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, age, and sexual orientation. You may also use the procedure to resolve any complaints you may have alleging that any other rules or policies of the Berkeley campus were inappropriately applied and resulted in an injury to you. The procedure is not applicable to certain kinds of complaints for which other appropriate appeals procedures exist, such as a grade appeal based on the application of nonacademic criteria. (See General Catalog information on Appeal of Grades in Courses and Examinations.) The procedure contains important time limitations and provisions about the interrelationship between this procedure and other campus complaint procedures. Copies of the procedure are available in 102 Sproul Hall.

There is also a Graduate Appeal Procedure through which graduate students may appeal academic or administrative decisions that have resulted in termination of their graduate status or have interfered with their progress toward a degree.

OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES BY CATEGORY

Medical Care and Personal Support

*Note: these offices offer confidential personal and emotional support.

Confidential Dispute and Resolution Resources

  • Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees
  •  Ombudsperson for faculty
  • Staff Ombuds Office

Advocacy and Legal Support for Students

More information for students can be found on the Recourse and resolution page of Resource, the official student handbook published by New Student Services.

Equity and Diversity

Astronomy Equity Advisor and Diversity Officer:

Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (UCB)

General Policies and Procedures

Berkeley Website of Campus Policies and Procedures