Shared Community Values, 2021

As part of the broad Chemistry & Biochemistry community, we intentionally embrace and uplift the following shared values in our classrooms, labs, and community spaces:

Inclusion

• Everyone is welcome in this classroom, and we honor each individual identity.
• Learning is enriched by differences in background, experience, and preparation.
• We embrace diversity in thought, perspective, background, and experience as central to the learning process.
• We acknowledge the presence of implicit bias in course materials due to the historical and cultural perspective with which they were written.
• Discrimination will not be tolerated, and we will speak out when we witness injustice in this learning community.
• Accountability is essential to an inclusive learning environment. We all commit to holding our own selves accountable to our shared values in this classroom.

 Support of Well-Being

• We prioritize our mental and physical health.
• Learning happens in safe environments.
• We provide only constructive feedback to our peers.
• Learning happens by doing – we will practice, learn, and grow together.
• Physical safety is the cornerstone of our laboratory courses. Embracing safe practices protects community members and enhances the learning experience for everyone.

 Honesty and Respect

• Open, honest conversations are central to building trust in our relationships.
• We provide space for each individual to express their thoughts and opinions.
• We credit those for their ideas and contributions to the classroom.
• We treat each other with dignity.
• We create a respectful environment by honoring the rights, wishes, feelings, and traditions of others.

 Growth Mindset in Learning

• Each person has the same capacity to learn.
• We define success through growth.
• Learning is cooperative and iterative – we support each other along that path.

Named to recognize the generosity of Dr. Otis A. Barnes (Professor of Chemistry, 1925 - 1941 & 1944 - 1962) and Margaret Tyson Barnes '27. Otis and Margaret Barnes created an outstanding legacy in support of the Colorado College science programs, benefiting students since 1953.