Responsibilities of Cohort Representatives: The Department of Human Genetics is committed to promoting a positive and inclusive departmental culture. Effective and accessible lines of communication between all members of the department and departmental leadership are critically important for identifying areas of concern as well as building upon and expanding positive events and policies. To improve the flow of information within the department, each cohort will select 1 or 2 Cohort Representatives (CRs) who will serve as intermediaries between departmental members and the DHG leadership (Chair and Associate Chairs). Every member of the department is encouraged to provide feedback (positive comments and constructive criticism), ideas and suggestions about the DHG research and educational missions to their CRs who will share this information with the Chair and Associate Chairs at regularly scheduled meetings. If requested, the CRs can protect the identities of individuals who prefer to provide anonymous feedback. Thus, CRs will play an important and integral role in effecting positive change within the department.
Selection of Cohort Representatives: Cohort Representatives for graduate students (Ph.D. and M.S., G.C.), postdocs, faculty, lab staff, and administrative staff will be selected by their respective cohorts. Individuals will be confidentially nominated by their peers or can self-nominate, and all nominees will have an opportunity to accept or decline the nomination. Each cohort will select their representative(s) via a confidential vote. The CRs will serve for a period of 1 year and can opt to serve for more than one term, if selected by their respective cohorts. Students, faculty, and staff will be voted on separately.
Orientation for Cohort Representatives: The Chair and Associate Chair for Climate will meet with the selected Cohort Representatives to discuss theirspecific roles and responsibilities. During the meeting, the CRs will be given information about the mechanisms to share feedback from their cohorts with departmental leadership and additional guidance about their new roles as leaders within their peer groups.