Culture and Community

Community Vision

The Department of Integrative Biology envisions a thriving scientific community that welcomes and serves faculty, staff, academic specialists, postdocs, students, and alumni from all backgrounds. We strive to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where every member has equitable access to the resources, opportunities, and supportive physical spaces needed to succeed in their educational and professional goals. By removing barriers and celebrating contributions, we aim to empower groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and meaningful outreach that serves society. 

Community Priorities

1. Build Excellence Through Policies and Practices 2. Foster Community Connection3. Support Individual Growth and Success4. Maintain Fair and Transparent Practices5. Celebrate Scientific Contributions

1. Build Excellence Through Policies and Practices

Support policies and best practices that foster a strong community among all members of our department. 

2. Foster Community Connection

Foster and sustain retention of a vibrant community through collaborative engagement, mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities. 

3. Support Individual Growth and Success

Create a supportive climate for all community members that provides opportunities for learning, growth, and success, which advances education, careers, and contributions to scientific excellence. 

4. Maintain Fair and Transparent Practices

Establish fair and transparent practices to ensure that all members have opportunities for advancement and recognition in accordance with their professional goals and achievements. 

5. Celebrate Scientific Contributions

Recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of our community members from all backgrounds who advance our scientific understanding and mission. 

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

These guidelines apply to all members of the IBIO department: faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. We strive to build a community grounded in integrity, respect, collaboration, awareness, consideration, and informed action. These commitments guide our everyday interactions and are intended to support a safe, respectful, productive, and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. If anyone believes these guidelines are being violated, they are encouraged to speak with your supervisor, the Graduate Director, their Faculty Advisory Committee, or the IBIO Chair. Together, these commitments define how we build a thriving IBIO community where all members can learn, discover, contribute, and succeed. 

As members of IBIO, we commit to being:

PrincipledConsiderateRespectful Collaborative AwareInformed

Principled

We are committed to scientific integrity in all aspects of our work, exemplified by conducting well-documented, replicable research, and ensuring the humane treatment of research animals.

Considerate

We are committed to considering the needs of others, exemplified by kindness and professionalism, such as respecting deadlines. 

Respectful

We are committed to respecting one another, exemplified by fostering an environment free from discrimination or harassment, where everyone can contribute their talents, feel safe, and be valued. 

Collaborative

We are committed to collaboration, exemplified by sharing knowledge openly, supporting one another’s success, and working together in ways that are productive and mutually beneficial. 

Aware

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment, exemplified by fulfilling our responsibility as mandatory reporters of sexual harassment or violence to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). 

Informed

We are committed to being informed of our community vision, priorities, principles, and university policies and to take personal responsibility for our roles and knowing where to seek guidance or direct others for support. 

University Resources

Gender & Sexuality Resource Center

The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQIA2S+ members of the Michigan State University community. Through education, engagement, advocacy, and student support, we work to create an inclusive campus culture for people of all genders and sexual identities. Learn More.

Diversity Research Network

The Diversity Research Network (DRN) connects faculty whose work emphasizes a broad spectrum of backgrounds to create scholarly communities, facilitate new interdisciplinary collaborations, and advance the growth and visibility of research by faculty members across MSU. The DRN emphasizes MSU’s value of inclusive excellence across all disciplines and promotes this value through the support and resources it offers.
Learn More.