Economics

Climate, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Economics Program at Oregon State University is committed to fostering a departmental climate where all students, faculty, and staff feel respected, welcomed, and supported. This webpage describes some of the resources available to students and faculty to identify and address issues related to climate, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Codes of Conduct

Oregon State University has established a detailed code of ethics that sets standards in fostering “a civil, respectful, and nurturing environment.” The OSU Student Code of Conduct promotes an environment that values inclusivity and respectful discourse. The OSU Office of Equal Opportunity and Access oversees compliance with relevant OSU policies. The American Economic Association has also established a code of professional conduct for economists. We expect all members of our community to study these and abide by these standards.

• OSU Code of Ethics
• Oregon State University Code of Student Conduct
• OSU Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
• American Economic Association Code of Professional Conduct

Members of the Economics program are also encouraged to study and comply with codes of conduct for additional professional associations to which they belong, such as the National Bureau of Economic Research.

• National Bureau of Economic Research Standards of Conduct

Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

As part of the Economics Program’s continuing commitment to ensuring a positive climate for all members of our community, it has tasked the Strategic Planning and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Resourcing Committee with addressing issues of climate within our program. As part of its charge, this committee gathers information about climate issues, provides opportunities for learning and discussion, and works with the rest of the program to institute reforms when needed.

• Committee Membership: Committee members are available to discuss general issues of climate, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our members.
  • Elizabeth Schroeder (Co-Chair), liz.schroeder@oregonstate.edu
  • Paul Thompson (Co-Chair), paul.thompson@oregonstate.edu
  • Camille Soltau Nelson, camille.nelson@oregonstate.edu
  • Todd Pugatch, todd.pugatch@oregonstate.edu

Resources for Responding to Harassment, Discrimination, and Other Climate Issues

The Economics Program is committed to providing support for anyone who has experienced any form of harassment, discrimination, or difficult climate that impedes one’s right to a safe work or learning environment. Below is a list of resources for responding to harassment, discrimination, and other climate issues.

• OSU Office of Institutional Diversity
• OSU Ombuds Office
• OSU Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
• American Economic Association Ombudsperson

Resources for Responding to Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues can both be affected by departmental climate and involve issues of stigma and inclusion. Some resources for those with mental health concerns (about themselves or others) are below.

• OSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Reach Out for Success

• Care Folder for Working with Distressed and Disruptive Students

Resources Discussing Best Practices

The Strategic Planning and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Resourcing Committee will collect resources likely to be of help to members of the Economics Program in creating a healthier departmental climate. These resources are just that—resources. The ideas discussed are not intended to be official department or university policy. Rather, they are provided to encourage learning and stimulate discussion. Below are a few resources. More will be added as they come to our attention.

• Guidance for a Constructive Culture of Exchange in MIT Economics Seminars by Nancy Rose.
• Diversifying Economic Quality: A Wiki for Instructors and Departments. “Div.E.Q. is an online resource promoting inclusive, innovative, and evidence-based teaching practices in economics. Div.E.Q. is sponsored by the AEA's Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession.”
• American Economic Association, Best Practices for Improving the Professional Climate in Economics This site presents best practices for economists in four areas of professional conduct.
• How You Can Work to Increase the Presence and Improve the Experience of Black, Latinx, and Native American People in the Economic Profession by Amanda Bayer, Gary A. Hoover, and Ebonya Washington.