GSA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Update

As we approach the end of 2019, we wish to share an update on GSA’s ethics program. Over the past year, GSA’s ethics & compliance officer, Nan Stout, has spearheaded initiatives to build on GSA’s longstanding commitment to integrity and excellence. Read on for a summary of our accomplishments. For more information, sign up for GSA’s ethics webinar on 5 December 2019 at 12:00 p.m. mountain time.




Thanks to the invaluable input from many GSA members and staff, we are pleased to announce GSA’s new Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct. The new Code includes standards we deem critical to the professional success of our members and profession, including expectations to guard against research misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and bullying. The GSA Council approved the new ethics policy to help ensure that all of us, as GSA members, adhere to ethical standards in all of our professional activities—regardless of location or whether the conduct takes place at GSA events.

GSA has established policies and procedures to implement the new Code, which are available on the Ethics homepage. Notably, the Policy & Procedures for Handling Potential Ethical Violations explains the rules GSA uses to process ethics complaints alleging that one of our members has violated the Code. These procedures include safeguards for individuals who report violations and they protect members through the use of reasonable due process procedures to guard against patently false, malicious, or groundless allegations. “We have worked hard to create a fair process that gives individuals with bona fide complaints a way to come forward and also gives individuals accused of wrongdoing a meaningful opportunity to be heard,” said GSA’s executive director, Vicki McConnell.

We are proud of the steps GSA is taking to promote an ethical, professional culture in the geoscience profession, where all people are welcomed, supported, and positioned for success. We are confident our new Code and ethics resources will make a positive difference to our members and profession as a whole.

To learn more about GSA’s ethics initiatives, visit GSA’s Ethics homepage or register for the 5 December webinar from 12–1 mountain time.

Sincerely,

Don Siegel
GSA’s President

Robbie Gries
GSA’s Past President

Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences Scholarship

The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS), is a non-profit organization of primarily professional commercial paleontologists that promote science. Each year, the AAPS offers two $1,000.00 scholarships to graduate level students in paleontology attending universities world wide. The two scholarships are given in the names of the James R. Welch Scholarship (for studies in macro invertebrate fossils), and the Charles Sternberg Scholarship (for studies in macro vertebrate fossils). These scholarships are awarded by a majority vote of the membership attending our annual meeting in Tucson every February.

These scholarships are awarded to students who qualify and meet the approval of the board of directors, and the membership. Because a majority of our members are active collectors, a major requirement of acceptance is that the applicant must be active in field research and collecting. In other words, we want the applicant to get out and do work in the field. These funds should thus be primarily used for the collection and preparation of macro fossils.

If you are interested, you may apply by sending a letter of application from you explaining the focus of your studies, your thesis subject, what you need the money for, and what you plan on doing as a career.

You must also submit the following with your letter of application;

1. A letter of recommendation from one or more of your professors or advisors
2. A current Curriculum Vitae or Collage Transcript.

All scholarship application materials must be in our offices no later then December 1st to be considered for the award. Any applications that are incomplete, or not in our offices by December 1st, will not be accepted.

Potential candidates must submit the required information along with the letter from their primary advisor to:

Neal Larson, Scholarship and Grant Chairperson
ammoniteguy@gmail.com
C/O Larson Paleontology
P.O. Box 1313
Hill City, SD 57745
USA


visit https://www.aaps.net/scholarship.htm for more details

Lecturer in Paleobiology- Auburn University

Application Deadline- January 15, 2020
The Department of Geosciences at Auburn University invites applications for a 9-month nontenure-track faculty position in Paleobiology beginning August 15, 2020. The position is a one-year appointment subject to renewal based on performance, need for services, and available funding.

Applicants must have a PhD in geosciences with demonstrable teaching experience at the time the appointment begins. The teaching load will be three courses each semester. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses including, but not limited to Earth and Life through Time (introductory Historical Geology) and Introduction to Paleobiology, an upper-level undergraduate/graduate course in Introductory Micropaleontology, as well as one graduate-level course as determined by the candidate's expertise, experience and department needs. Special consideration will be given to candidates with the ability to teach courses in sedimentary geology. Desired qualifications include experience with: (1) implementing inquiry, project, or technology-based active learning into teaching; and (2) quantitative, analytical, and/or field-based tools that could be incorporated into both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of application (1-2 pages) describing teaching philosophy and experience, and the names and contact information of three professional references. To apply please go to http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3910, complete the online form and upload the required application documents. The candidate selected for the position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment begins and be able to continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required.

Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Please visit the following website for more information: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/pdf/guidelines-dual-career-services.pdf.

Applicants are also encouraged to visit the following website to learn more about Auburn University: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. To learn more about the Department of Geosciences please visit: (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/geosciences/index.htm). Review of applications will begin January 15, 2020, and will continue until the position is filled.