In 2023, the Executive Faculty Task Force on Climate & Culture developed a set of recommendations to foster a more inclusive climate and culture at Washington University School of Medicine.
These recommendations are intended to help build and sustain a culture where everyone is safe, supported and welcome, with trust, communication, and fair processes emphasized as key areas of focus. The Implementation Task Force sets priorities for moving forward with the recommendations and is overseeing their implementation.
Implementation status
Updated July 12, 2024
Simplify process for reporting unprofessional and inappropriate behavior by making the Supporting a Fair Environment (SAFE) program a “single front door” for all types of report.
Anyone in our WashU Medicine community can use the SAFE system to report a concern, whether the incident occurred at WashU Medicine or one of our academic hospitals.
COMPLETE
Revise promotion criteria for faculty to reward the full range of careers in academic medicine
COMPLETE
Develop system for exit surveys when employees leave to proactively address issues with climate and culture
COMPLETE
Hire assistant deans to implement a comprehensive faculty leadership program
COMPLETE
Design and implement effective communications to explain revised reporting systems and encourage individuals to report incidents of concern
IN PROGRESS
Update the faculty parental leave policy so it is consistently applied across WashU Medicine
IN PROGRESS
Expedite development of a coaching program for faculty
IN PROGRESS
Hire an on-campus ombuds for graduate students on the Medical Campus, to address their concerns
IN PROGRESS
Create and implement enhanced training to prevent retaliatory behaviors
IN PROGRESS
Develop a policy regarding alcohol consumption in research laboratories and during WashU Medicine activities
IN PROGRESS
Select and regularly deploy a Climate Survey for WashU Medicine
IN PROGRESS
See all Task Force recommendations »