Expectations of Ourselves at Our Best.

This collection of expectations emerged from an all-school retreat discussion on September 7, 2018. The Governing Council made final edits and approved this for inclusion in all syllabi and Faculty, Staff, Student, and Handbooks on November 29, 2018. These are expectations all members of our community, faculty, staff, and students, hold ourselves to, aspiring always to be our best selves.

We all aim to:

  • strive for excellence
  • exercise the highest integrity in all aspects of work
  • be open, flexible, realistic, and understanding
  • demonstrate professionalism and trustworthiness as a representative of Boston University and the School of Public Health
  • understand and follow the policies and procedures of Boston University and the School of Public Health

We aim to be guided by five behaviors, with corresponding expectations of ourselves for each behavior:

Behavior Expectations
Engagement
  • Embrace responsibility for our work, learning, and all other activities
  • Work responsibly and collaboratively
Collaboration
  • Receive constructive feedback from faculty, teaching assistants, mentors, and others
Communication
  • Openly share expertise and experience to assure individual and team success
  • Provide constructive feedback to your colleagues, which include supervisors, staff, faculty, and students
  • Seek support when needed
    Respect for others
    • Use technology in a responsible and professional manner
    • Respect the unique cultures, strengths, viewpoints, and experiences of others
    • Show compassion and tolerance
      Helping others succeed
      • Actively and respectfully participate in community discussions and activities
      • Reach out to others who appear to be struggling
      • Seek ways to contribute to the success of others

        The School of Public Health recognizes that collaboration and mutual respect are central to developing a positive relationship between faculty, students, and staff members, the development of which is critical to our mission. The School of Public Health values academic freedom, diversity and inclusion, and respect for all. We strive for a sense of community in which the individual growth of all members is advanced through the cultivation of mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding. SPH encourages individuality and the culture of freely pursued academic and community activities. We all are working towards a common goal; our ability to excel depends on a collegial environment.

        The School of Public Health seeks to create opportunities for the school community to interact across departments and also to engage with pressing topics in public health. To that end, the Dean’s Office hosts community programming and signature programming open to all members of the SPH community. Community programs include three annual events for all faculty and staff (the annual All School Retreat, Holiday Party, and Spring Celebration), monthly School Assembly, and monthly coffee chats with the Dean. At the monthly School Assembly, the deans present updates on policies, school strategies, and ongoing work of the School. SPH faculty and staff are responsible for staying up to date with school and university policies. The Dean’s Office hosts around 25 Public Health Conversations annually. All faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to attend.