‘MTSU On the Record’ examines rules of conduct in academic world

As society grapples with an apparent decline in civil discourse, “MTSU On the Record” is examining a code of conduct designed to provide some guidance.

Dr. Jeremy Aber

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Jeremy Aber, assistant professor of geosciences, will air from 6 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, July 29, on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

Aber and his colleagues in the Department of Geosciences fashioned a departmental code of conduct modeled on that of the American Geophysical Union, an association of professional geologists.

The code addresses a variety of unacceptable behaviors, including sexual harassment, workplace bullying, racism, sexism, homophobia and taking credit for other scholars’ research. It is intended to apply to faculty, staff and students.

Aber said, in addition to the code’s ethical importance, it is a practical tool to help ensure that education continues in a safe, secure environment.

“I’m here to teach people things,” Aber said. “If I can’t do that, or if something’s getting in the way, or making it so that a person doesn’t feel comfortable, even if it doesn’t directly involve them, that hurts them. It’s affecting my ability to do my job.”

You can read about the code at www.mtsu.edu/geosciences/mission.php.