Building and Office Policies

Department of Physics and Astronomy Values Statement

• Excellence: We pursue high-quality, evidence-based education and research, conducted ethically, responsibly, and with integrity.
• Service: We work to serve our department, university, and the public through our activities in science, teaching, outreach, and advocacy.
• Community: We endeavor to respect, appreciate, and support those inside and outside the department.
• Equity: We are devoted to equitable treatment and development of all people through building a more diverse and inclusive environment.

White Hall Non-Faculty Office Policy

1. Graduate students, staff, and post-docs are provided access to office space during their time with the Department. Undergraduate students are not provided office space. If an undergraduate agrees to the Code of Conduct, then they are entitled to have access to the Undergraduate Lounge (White Hall, Room G07) and exterior building doors.
   
2. Desk assignments are finalized by the Department only when desks become definitively available and vacant. The Department does not maintain waiting lists or queues for desks that are currently occupied. This ensures maximum flexibility in accommodating unforeseen space needs.
   
3. Students are expected to behave professionally and in accordance with the Campus Student Conduct Code, as defined by the Division of Student Life & Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Failure to abide by these policies may result in loss of desk privileges in White Hall.
4. To help students engage with their cohort, receive support in their courses, and prepare themselves for their future graduate and professional career, first year graduate students are required to remain in G03 for their entire first academic year, regardless of their position (GRA, GTA, or Fellow).
5. Any student who has been in G03 for longer than 3 full semesters is entitled to move out of G03, provided there is a desk available. Priority for desk allocation is given to students working in research groups.
6. No graduate student may have more than one desk in White Hall.
7. If a graduate student leaves the Department for longer than 1 semester, then their current desk is forfeited. If a student is experiencing extenuating circumstances that may prevent them from returning, then they may contact department staff/administration to be granted an exception.
8. All occupants are expected to maintain a clean workspace free of trash, open food containers, and clutter. If a student fails to maintain a clean workspace, despite reminders, the student may lose desk privileges in White Hall.
   
9. To ensure a clean and safe work environment, all non-faculty offices will undergo monthly inspections by department staff during the first week of each month. If cleanliness issues are identified, the office occupant will be notified by email and expected to address them promptly. Failure to maintain a clean and orderly workspace may result in the loss of office space privileges. If maintenance issues are identified, Facilities will be notified.
10. To ensure the safety and upkeep of our facilities, university staff—including emergency, maintenance/janitorial, and administrative personnel—may access offices at any time.

Undergraduate Lounge Use Agreement

All undergraduate students are entitled to request access to the Undergraduate Lounge (White Hall, Room G07) and exterior building doors. To request access, please complete the White Hall Access Request Form.

• I agree to uphold the values of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
• I agree to abide by the Campus Student Conduct Code, as defined by the Division of Student Life.
• I agree to use the Lounge responsibly and for its intended purposes.
• I agree to be respectful of other students, staff, or faculty who may use or enter the Lounge.
• I agree to remove all personal belongings and trash prior to leaving the Lounge.
• I agree to be held responsible for my behavior and the consequences of my actions when using the Lounge.