She’s sexy” and “More PowerPoint”; Understanding the Past, Present and Future Climate in Academia


Session ID#: 36130

Session Description:
This Town Hall will serve the dual purposes of 1) letting the ocean science community know the extent of the unwelcome conduct that is sexual in nature as well as those situations in which the work or study environment is made intimidating or offensive as a result of actions that are gender-based and that interfere with an individual’s academic or work performance, opportunities for advancement, and morale; and

2) Identification policies, strategies and practices that have been the most successful in preventing and addressing the unwelcome conduct.

One of the conveners received the above comments on the end-of-semester, course evaluation forms in spring 2017 for a general introductory Oceanography course in answer to the question, “What did you like most about the course?” – “She’s sexy” and “How could the course be improved?” – “more powerpoint”.

She will give an overview of her response, and the university’s actions, followed by discussion of how to shape a future environment of respect in the classroom, and across our science community—including recent actions and additional resources available through AGU.

Primary Contact:  Mary Jo Richardson, Texas A&M University College Station, College Station, TX, United States
Presenter:  Billy M Williams, American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC, United States
Cross-Topics:
  • BN - Biogeochemistry and Nutrients
  • ES - Ecology and Social Interactions
  • ED - Education, Outreach and Policy
  • PC - Past, Present and Future Climate
 

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