CommunityData:Roles

In Fall 2022 at a CDSC retreat in Seattle, we discussed clarifying what roles in CDSC look like, in hopes to help individuals feel empowered to be part of the group in a way that feels good to them, especially as our group is open and engaging with us may look different for everyone. An unconference team drafted a membership categorization in an [etherpad], and since then we have discussed and reached consensus. However, these roles are certainly open to revision and further discussion as the group and needs evolves.

Faculty

Faculty members who are highly involved in the group.

What does this role look like?

Oversight of the group, advising students, leading research, securing/managing financial and institutional resources, recruting, mentoring, supporting PhD students, organizing and attending meetings and events.

Staff

Paid members in administrative positions.

What does this role look like?

So far, managing group administration, leading the organization of events. Different/additional roles could emerge in the future.

Post-docs

Members in official postdoc positions affiliated with the group in some way.

What does this role look like?

PostDocs are expected to take on more of a leadership role in attending meetings and events, taking on chores, and supporting advisors in mentoring students.

Core Students

Highly involved students who are advised by one of the primary advisors. (see "Affiliate Students" below for a related category).

What does this role look like?

Core PhD students are expected to attend meetings and events, to participate in research, and to use the groups resources (incl. critique and feedback sessions) to the extent that feels useful to them.

• New core students: It is expected that new students (i.e., students in their first year) have more limited time to spend on/with the group (due to classes and such) and that they also take time to get familiar with the group, its resources, and its norms. They are expected to take on peripheral chores and help organize events with the help of senior students. They should feel empowered to seek mentorship from advisors as well as senior students.
• Senior core students, on the other hand, are expected to take on more leadership roles in handling chores, organizing events, and supporting/onboarding more junior students.

Student Affiliates

Students involved to various degrees w/ the group (incl. lots of flexibility/variability). This role is invite/request only (see below).

What does this role look like?

The participation of Affiliate students can take a variety of forms, including collaborations and mentorship. Affiliate students usually come in two forms: either graduate students who are tangentially involved with the group or undergraduate students who work as research assistants. Affiliate students should always feel empowered to be part of the group and use its resources as much as Core Students do. However, they should not feel expected to do so. Affiliate students are encouraged to attend meetings and events. Affiliate students generally differ from affiliate researchers in that they are seeking mentorship in some capacity.

• Process for "affiliation"—someone pings about to giving affilition to get consensus. someone seeking affiliation should be engaged with the group / someone who shows up (e.g., we should have at least virtually met them and know them)

Affiliates

Faculty and other researchers (including independent researchers) who are less involved in the group, but mentor and/or collaborate regularly with group members. This role is invite/request only (see below).

What does this role look like?

Satellite advisors/faculty are encouraged—but not expected—to support advisors in mentoring students, and are invited to attend events.

• Process for "affiliation"—someone pings about to giving affilition to get consensus. someone seeking affiliation should be engaged with the group / someone who shows up (e.g., we should have at least virtually met them and know them)

Community Members

Other collaborators, fellow-travelers and community members.

What does this role look like?

Community members are encouraged—but not expected—to attend events, but are more than welcome to take more active roles in other parts of the group (e.g., research, critique and feedback, event organization).

Alumni

Anyone who has previously been (more) heavily involved (typically as a Core Student) with the group (regardless of role).

What does this role look like?

Alumni are not expected to, but may participate in any way they want (e.g., by attending events or meetings). They may also be reached out to for historical context, future assistance, etc. Their bio should have an indicator about what their past group membership was.