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Intro
The years as a student may seem like a time when the usual rules don't apply, and where it is possible to experiment and stress life's rules and conventions. In many ways that is true -- it is possible to try changes in lifestyle, relationships, hobbies, and more without the people around seeing it as extraordinarily unusual. Sometimes, students take this to extremes.
Students who work for me, as my advisees or within CERIAS, should understand that attending school is not consequence-free. This is the beginning of their professional careers, and almost without exception those students are adults. Thus, behavior matters. Studying matters. This is the beginning of establishing a professional, respected reputation that will be the basis for their careers. Unprofessional behavior can be remembered by many people for years to come. The "nerd" in the cubicle down the hall from you may well be a company CEO or government official in 20 years, and you would thus be well advised to leave that person with a good impression of you when you graduate and part ways!
It is an issue of more than simply an individual's reputation, however. What individuals do when associated with a group reflects on the entire group. The reputation of everyone working with CERIAS depends on the behavior of every other one working in CERIAS. Furthermore, the reputation of the faculty, including me (Spaf) is impacted by the behavior of the students and staff who work with me and within CERIAS. It's important everyone involved realizes that he/she is a professional working in a professional environment, and behave accordingly.
While much of the campus community's behavior is regulated by university policies as expressed in official documents such as the student handbook, I would like to emphasize a few items that I believe are particularly important to CERIAS.
Being Professional
What does it mean to act professionally? Self-esteem and shared respect for one another are essential foundations. The respect of those around us (our colleagues, professors, staff, fellow students, and the broad research community) is the ultimate measure of responsible professional conduct. Respect is bred by courtesy, thoughtfulness, scholarship, and respect of others.
I expect that everyone in my lab and in CERIAS will act professionally and responsibly. This means, at a minimum:
Appropriate Conduct Towards Others
- Be considerate, courteous and polite to others. Good manners are remembered, and so are bad manners; it is better to be remembered for good manners.
- Listen to what other people have to say even if you know you will disagree. Often, the best way to be listened to is to make an effort to listen to others, first. You might even be surprised to learn something unexpected.
- Try to avoid prejudging others before getting to know them. You know that there is more to you than what is immediately obvious, and the same is true of the people you encounter.
- Understand that some people may be different in the way they look, act, worship, date, or behave. Those difference do not make them inferior or incorrect -- it simply makes them different.
- Work to solve problems without disparaging remarks, profanity or anger. Many problems are a result of poor communication -- don't exacerbate them!
- Never intentionally ridicule, embarrass or hurt other people, and be mature enough to apologize if you do it unintentionally. Neither bullies nor cads are admired.
- Try to be forgiving of those who aren't yet mature enough to act professionally.
Ethical Behavior
- If you use the work of others, credit them appropriately. This means citing references, acknowledging contributions, and appropriately crediting co-authors. Never represent work as your own that you did not perform yourself.
- Respect the property of others, whether it is physical property, intellectual property, or simply their reputation. Whether someone has a little or a lot, it is theirs and has value. Don't demean, degrade or deprive others of what is theirs.
- Disclose and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Keep your promises; don't give your word unless you intend to keep it.
Working Within the System
- Respect the law and rules even if you do not agree with them. Oppose them constructively, through the system, if you disagree.
- Purdue's policy is for an alcohol and drug-free workplace. I expect my students and staff to honor this policy.
Exceptions
As with all rules and directions, there are exceptions to the above, although they are infrequent. Remember, the key to establishing and keeping a good reputation is to be consistent and professional. The ability to embrace civility and rationally cope with differences is what distinguishes professionals from amateurs. Always strive for professionalism!
Special Considerations
There is an additional set of rules that applies to CERIAS students:
- Under no circumstances are students allowed to "experiment" with malicious software (viruses, worms, etc) or attack software (root kits, etc) on any computer systems or networks without the explicit, written permission of the legitimate owners and operators of every system and network involved. Even then, exercise extreme caution -- it is possible to destroy one's personal reputation (and accumulate criminal charges) at the speed of computation!
- Students are expected to respect the privacy of others, both online and offline. Abuse or misuse of another's personal information is not allowed.
- Sharing of access information or carelessness with account protections is not allowed. Care should be taken to protect CERIAS assets from unauthorized access.
- Academic dishonesty of any kind (plagiarism, cheating, etc) is prohibited by university rules, standards of academic and scientific ethics, and this set of rules.
Violations of any of the above can result in loss of assistantship and privileges as a student in CERIAS.
Other Resources
Deadlines, classes and student life can be very stressful. You have to know yourself and your limits. Don't let stress get in the way. There are other outlets and alternatives. If you're a student having problem with stress, see a trusted faculty member or get help from the Purdue Guidance and Counseling Center, (765) 494-9738.
Information on research ethics and profesional behavior:
- Understanding research ethics from The National Academies
- The ACM Code of Ethics
- IEEE Code of Ethics
- Purdue policies for faculty, staff and students.
Updated: 05/19/07
© 2004-2007 E. H. Spafford
spaf@purdue.edu