Community

Per the Department of Astronomy's Plan of Organization, the Community and Belonging Committee has responsibilities that include but are not limited to:

• Recommending initiatives to raise awareness of issues related to community na belonging in astronomy and related fields.
• Recommending actions the Department can take to ensure that everybody has equal opportunity to participate in the field.
• Identifying presenters for regular seminars on related topics.
• The Committee is annually appointed by the Department Chair and shall include representation from Tenured/Tenure-track faculty, Professional Track faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.

The Department of Astronomy strives to create and uphold a safe, open environment that allows each of its members to grow professionally and contribute to the greater scientific community.

In order to foster such an environment, we firmly reject all forms of discrimination based on ethnic or national origin, race, color, religion, citizenship, language, political affiliation, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, physical appearance, veteran status, or age. As a department, we condemn all forms of bullying and harassment, including those based on educational or professional status. Following the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Code of Ethics, we define bullying and harassment to include threatening, humiliating, coercive, or intimidating conduct that causes harm to, interferes with, or sabotages one's professional development or scientific activity.

The department strives to promote clear and transparent policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Each member of the department is responsible for maintaining an inclusive climate, with senior members of the department accepting a special responsibility. Furthermore, we strongly encourage each member to take on a proactive role in understanding the challenges that others may have when working in our community, and participating in efforts to promote fairness in our community.

Through such actions and responsibilities, we aspire to facilitate an open exchange of ideas and enhance the professional experience of all members and the quality, integrity, and pace of scientific advancement. We expect all members of the department to abide by the AAS Code of Ethics and University of Maryland policies.

• Ensuring that all members of the department have access to shared spaces (e.g., providing 24/7 access to the department for undergraduates).
• Organizing a mentoring program for 1st year graduate students with a faculty member other than their main advisor.
• Organizing a mentoring program for postdocs with a faculty member other than their main advisor.
• Organizing a department-wide colloquium once per year focusing on issues related to community and belonging.
• Coordinating internal and public statements such as the department's Community and Belonging mission statement and code of conduct, as well as responses to events that may be distressing to members of the departments.
• Maintaining an anonymous suggestion box for community and belonging related concerns.