In this lab, WE BELIEVE

CLIMATE ACTION is urgent.

AI must be responsible.

OPEN STANDARD enable interoperability.

SCIENCE is real.

EVERYONE is welcome here.

IMMIGRANTS are welcome.

FEMINISM is for everyone.

BLACK LIVES matter.

Code of Conduct and Expectations

Welcome to the UbiSensing AI Research Lab! We’re excited to have you on board and want to create an environment that’s inclusive, respectful, and conducive to great research and collaboration. Here’s a quick guide to help everyone understand the expectations and keep things running smoothly.

1. Respect for Everyone

Everyone in the lab deserves equal respect, no matter their role or experience level. We all have valuable insights to share. Harassment, bullying, or making fun of others will not be tolerated. Let’s foster a positive atmosphere where everyone can contribute and feel heard.

2. Vacation Policy

You are entitled to 3 weeks of vacation annually, plus any university-wide holidays. Please give your supervisor a heads-up and plan your time off to avoid important deadlines or events. Likewise, the supervisor will inform the team when they will be away for an extended period.

3. TA and RA Responsibilities

If you hold a TA or RA position, please communicate with your instructor or supervisor before planning any time away to ensure that it won’t interfere with your research duties.

4. Progress Meetings

We’ll meet regularly, either weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your progress and current projects. This could be group sessions or one-on-one meetings with your supervisor to check in on how things are going. There is a mandatory weekly standup meeting for all members, too.

5. Progress Reports

Every three months, you will submit an OKR (Objectives and Key Results) report and progress update. These are essential for tracking your achievements and ensuring you’re on track for degree completion. If progress isn’t satisfactory, academic reviews may follow.

6. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

Maintaining academic integrity is crucial. Familiarize yourself with best practices to avoid plagiarism and properly cite references. The university’s Student Success Centre offers workshops and resources on this topic.

7. Research Integrity

Conduct your research with honesty and transparency. Report any mistakes, acknowledge limitations, and be open to peer review and feedback. Follow all university guidelines on data management, publication, and intellectual property.

8. Confidentiality

Protect sensitive data and intellectual property. Don’t share unpublished research or confidential information without permission.

9. Coursework

Ensure you dedicate enough time to your coursework, exams, and professional development. These are integral to your academic success.

10. Conferences and Publications

You are encouraged to attend one national or international conference during your program supported by the department funding. MSc students are expected to publish at least one journal paper, while PhD students should aim for two. The supervisor will cover open-access fees, and there’s a $1,000 bonus for each publication.

11. Collaboration and Teamwork

Open communication is key! Share ideas, give constructive feedback, and engage with your peers. Acknowledge the contributions of others in publications, presentations, and group projects. Helping each other out is encouraged.

12. Diversity and Inclusion

We value diverse perspectives and experiences. Use welcoming language, support underrepresented groups, and be mindful of behavior that could be perceived as harmful or exclusionary.

13. Mentorship and Learning

Senior members should mentor junior members. Everyone should be open to feedback and look for opportunities to grow. The lab is a place to learn, and everyone’s growth is a shared priority.

14. Work Environment and Safety

Keep the lab safe and clean and follow all safety protocols. Treat shared equipment and resources with care and consideration.

15. Conflict Resolution

If conflicts arise, handle them professionally and constructively. Reach out to the lab lead or university resources if needed to resolve issues fairly.

16. Work-Life Balance

Your health and well-being come first. We value hard work and dedication, but we do not encourage overworking or burnout. Find a healthy balance that works for you.

17. Harassment-Free Environment

Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. If someone tells you to stop certain behavior, respect their boundaries. Always ask for consent, whether it’s taking photos or engaging in social interactions. Respect the privacy of others, and do not share personal information without consent.

We’re committed to maintaining a lab culture that supports everyone’s success and well-being. Let’s work together to create a positive and productive environment for all!