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STScI Code of Conduct

Everyone should be given a voice when we are working together towards the success of our missions, which is why our staff uses this code of conduct to empower one another, continue to improve, and bring excellence to our work.

  • It is STScI policy and practice that all participants in meetings, including STScI staff and visitors, will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming and inclusive to all participants and free from any form of disrespect, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

  • Participants will treat each other with civility and respect to create a collegial and professional environment where all voices and perspectives may be heard regardless of biases, known and unknown. Creating a supportive environment is everyone’s responsibility.

  • Participants will avoid inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, occupation, seniority, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  • Leaders in meetings bear a specific responsibility to ensure that conduct is appropriate. If a participant observes inappropriate comments or actions, intervention is appropriate if it respects all parties. Violations of this code may be reported to conduct@stsci.edu.

Meeting Room Policies

  • Treat all participants with civility and respect. Diverse viewpoints encourage good decisions. Make an effort to solicit them. Good ideas often come from the quietest participants. It is acceptable to politely call attention to breaches of etiquette during the meeting.

  • Start the meeting on time. Close the doors when you start. Be mindful of your meeting time and space. We are good at the space stuff here at STScI, but we are still working on time. Respect remote participation via audio checks, suitable volume when speaking, screen sharing when appropriate, and active solicitation of inputs.

  • Organize the meeting with an agenda and published meeting notes. Organized meetings make everyone happy. Focus on the meeting, not cell phones and email.

  • Keep egos and biases in check. Please leave these in the box near the entrance. You may retrieve them when you leave or borrow someone else’s for variety.