Within SEA Change, we strive to create and maintain safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for discussions around DEI in STEMM. Any event, activity, or discussion related to any part of the SEA Change initiative (Institute, Community, or Awards) is a place where we can learn from each other and grow together on our journeys to create lasting positive change. We expect those participating in any part of the SEA Change initiative to abide by the SEA Change Code of Conduct.

We accept and operate under the SEA Change Principles

The SEA Change Principles are foundational to the work of SEA Change across the three pillars: the Institute, the Community, and the Awards. Each SEA Change Member institution adopts the SEA Change Principles. We endeavor to incorporate the Principles in our discussions about any part of the SEA Change initiative (Institute, Community, or Awards; on Port of Call or otherwise), as well as in the work we do on our campuses and in our organizations.

We assume positive intent and own negative impacts

Assuming positive intent means that we are generous when interpreting the words and behaviors of others. We are engaged in SEA Change because we share a common purpose: advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEMM. We also must be accountable for any negative impact we might create—even when unintentional. We are all learning in our own ways, and we are going to make mistakes. What is most important is that we remain open to the idea that we may be wrong, and acknowledge the impact of our words and actions.

We are collaborative and critical, not competitive

We practice generosity by assuming positive intent and owning negative impacts. Another way we can practice generosity that will help us collectively work toward our shared purpose is to step away from the competitive tendencies we might traditionally lean toward in STEMM. Events, activities, or discussions related to any part of the SEA Change initiative (Institute, Community, or Awards) are collaborative and critical spaces, but we are not in competition with one another. When we remove competition, assume positive intent, and own negative impacts, we create a space where critiques are offered with generosity and accepted with humility. Critical engagement with one another is essential in our efforts to move the needle and create lasting positive change, as well as being essential for maximizing advancement, integrity, and excellence of STEMM.