Statement of Community

The ECE department is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Lafayette College’s diversity statement highlights that “all members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced.” The following outlines the expectations of the ECE community. These principles apply equally to students, faculty, and staff.

Respect for Diversity:
We are committed to respecting and valuing everyone’s culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexuality, nationality, and physical or mental abilities.

Building Community:
The ECE department is a supportive community. We encourage collaboration and mutual support, and also expect adherence to the College’s policies on academic honesty and integrity.

Lifelong Connections:
As an ECE student, you have the potential to form lasting relationships across the department, engineering school, and Lafayette as a whole. One of the greatest strengths of Lafayette graduates is the network of connections built during their time here.

Thoughtful Communication:
Words can be powerful—both positively and negatively. Comments can cause harm, and sometimes, an apology may not be enough to heal the hurt. We encourage all community members to communicate thoughtfully and with care.

Responsible Social Media Use:
As a student in the third decade of the 21st century, you have access to numerous social media platforms but these come with responsibility. These spaces can be sources of valuable information but also places where bullying and harassment occur. As an ECE community member, we use social media responsibly and respectfully.

Global Perspective:
Students are here not only to learn and make connections but also to appreciate global diversity. Courses fulfilling the global and multicultural learning outcomes, proficiency in a second language, and study abroad opportunities will help you thrive in future collaborations with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Inclusive Classrooms:
We aim to create inclusive learning environments where all voices are respected. Asking and answering questions requires courage, and everyone learns together. Respecting differences in accents, handwriting, clothing, food, and cultural interests is essential to building an inclusive space.

Reporting Concerns:
If you observe inappropriate behavior, report it to the dean’s office, a faculty member, or the ECE department head. Your decision to speak up could make a significant difference to a fellow community member.

Lab Partner Accountability:
Being respectful and accountable to your lab partner is a core expectation. Inclusivity in partner choices ensures all students feel a sense of belonging. If academic challenges arise, bring it to your instructor’s attention privately. Remember, everyone has different strengths—collaborate to complement one another.

Shared Spaces:
The ECE department offers various shared spaces for study, lab work, and projects. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain these areas—clean up after yourself, return tools and equipment, and properly store or deconstruct project materials.

A strong and healthy ECE community is key to a successful college experience as well as your growth as an individual. We are here to learn, grow, and create a positive environment in which we can all reach our unique potential. Please be a good citizen of ECE, Lafayette, and beyond.

September 2024