Code of Conduct

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.

University of Calgary policies, Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) regulations, and the GSA Collective Agreement take full precedence over all lab-level rules. All research assistants and graduate students must review and follow the university’s academic, employment, equity, and conduct requirements.

This Code of Conduct supplements—but does not replace—your official Research Assistantship Agreement, TA employment terms, and all UCalgary procedures.

1. Respect and Professional Conduct

Everyone is expected to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environment. Disrespectful behaviour, intimidation, or bullying towards any lab member—regardless of seniority—will not be tolerated.

2. Vacation and Sick Leave

RA/TA appointments follow UCalgary policies.

  • You are entitled to 3 weeks of paid vacation per year.
  • Sick leave must be reported promptly to your supervisor.
  • All time-off requests must be submitted early enough to avoid conflicts with research milestones, deadlines, stand-ups, or RA/TA responsibilities.

3. TA and RA Responsibilities

If you hold TA or RA duties, you must discuss any planned absence with your supervisor/instructor beforehand to ensure your responsibilities remain covered and compliant with university policy.

4. Progress Meetings

You are required to participate in:

  • Weekly stand-up meetings (mandatory for all members)
  • Individual or group progress meetings scheduled weekly/biweekly/monthly as needed

Attendance is part of maintaining full-time academic status and RA performance.

5. Progress Reports

Every three months, you must submit an updated OKR (Objectives & Key Results) progress report. These documents support degree progression, funding continuity, and academic standing. Unsatisfactory progress may trigger formal reviews under FGS rules.

6. Academic Integrity

All students must follow UCalgary’s academic integrity policies. Plagiarism, fabrication, or misuse of AI-generated content is prohibited. Always use proper citations and academic standards.

7. Research Integrity

Research must be conducted ethically, transparently, and honestly. Report errors, limitations, or concerns promptly. Follow all institutional guidelines for data handling, ethics, and intellectual property.

8. Confidentiality

You must protect all confidential data, unpublished work, and intellectual property belonging to the lab, collaborators, or sponsors. Sharing or releasing information without explicit authorization is prohibited.

9. Coursework Expectations

Coursework remains a mandatory academic obligation. Full-time students must allocate appropriate time to complete assignments, exams, and training required by their program.

10. Publications and Conferences

  • You are encouraged to attend at least one national or international conference during your program (department funding permitting).
  • MSc students are expected to publish 1 peer-reviewed journal article; PhD students 2.
  • Open-access fees are supported by the supervisor.
  • A $1,000 publication bonus is provided for each accepted journal article.

11. Collaboration and Teamwork

Communicate openly, give constructive feedback, and acknowledge contributions fairly. Teamwork and mutual support are expected.

12. Diversity and Inclusion

The lab is committed to an inclusive, welcoming environment. Avoid exclusionary, offensive, or discriminatory language or behaviour. Support colleagues from all backgrounds.

13. Mentorship and Learning

Senior members are expected to support and mentor junior researchers. Everyone should embrace feedback and continuous learning.

14. Safety and Work Environment

Maintain a clean, safe workspace. Follow all safety rules for equipment, computing resources, and shared lab areas.

15. Conflict Resolution

Conflicts should be addressed professionally. If issues cannot be resolved informally, escalate them to the supervisor or appropriate university channels (Graduate Program Director, Ombuds, HR).

16. Work–Life Balance

Protect your well-being. Burnout is not acceptable. Maintain a sustainable schedule while meeting academic and research responsibilities.

17. Harassment-Free Environment

Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. If someone tells you to stop certain behaviour, 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!