Code of Conduct

Inclusive SciComm Symposium Code of Conduct:

The Inclusive SciComm Symposium (ISCS) is dedicated to providing a safe, hospitable, and productive environment for everyone present, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, ability, gender, or physical appearance. The ISCS prohibits intimidating, threatening, or harassing conduct during this gathering. This policy applies to speakers, moderators, organizers, volunteers, and attendees.

The University of Rhode Island Metcalf Institute works to promote a welcoming environment at its meetings, whether in virtual or physical spaces, that is safe, collaborative, supportive, and productive for all attendees, including volunteers, exhibitors, and service providers, and that values the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among the conference attendees. To that end, we expect all participants—attendees, speakers, mentors, and volunteers—to follow the Code of Conduct during the conference. This includes conference-related social events, related online chats, networking events, and other community gatherings, and social media. All forms of communication among 2023 Inclusive SciComm Symposium (2023 ISCS) participants in person or virtually, and all ISCS-related social activities (e.g., networking sessions on third party platforms or off-site), are considered within the scope of the conference, and thus fall under the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct. These include public and private communications in virtual conference rooms, via electronic chat functions (e.g., Q/A box, Zoom Chat), emails, texts, social media, phone calls, and other forms of written, verbal, and non-verbal (including visual) communication. 

Expected Behavior:

  • Welcome, invite and include all people to participate.
  • Be present.
  • Listen respectfully and actively.
  • Value diverse perspectives. 
  • Be accountable for your interactions.
  • Treat everyone with respect and consideration. 
  • Respect confidentiality. Lessons learned can leave the room; personal stories stay.
  • Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different from our own. 
  • Be respectful in your critique of ideas. 
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Consider your surroundings and computer screen contents when sharing your screen or appearing in live or pre-recorded videos to prevent the appearance of sensitive personal information, inappropriate background images, or disruptive content. This does not apply to unplanned cameo appearances by pets and children – we understand those can happen! 
  • Alert 2023 ISCS staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress. 
  • Respect the rules and policies of all venues and online platforms associated with the meeting. 
  • Behave in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws.  
  • Report any concerns or misconduct.

Unacceptable Behavior:

  • URI, Metcalf Institute, and the ISCS do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. 
  • Offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, employment, politics, marital status, etc.
  • Sexual language and imagery, or any other potentially harassing material or behavior including but not limited to verbal comments, intimidation, inappropriate physical contact or unwelcome sexual attention, are not permitted at the conference and may not be incorporated into the visuals or presentations.  
  • Deliberate intimidation or stalking.
  • Harassing photography or recording.
  • Capturing personal recordings of 2023 ISCS sessions.
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
  • Violating the rules and regulations of the online platforms and services.  
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
  • Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately and to not repeat their behavior, or may be required to leave the conference, at the sole discretion of the 2023 ISCS Planning Committee.  

Consequences:

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. 
  • 2023 ISCS staff (or their designees) may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the symposium without warning or refund. 
  • Metcalf Institute and the ISCS Planning Committee reserve the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting or conference organized by Metcalf Institute. 

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior:

If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior, have witnessed any such behavior, or have any other concerns relating to unacceptable behavior, please immediately notify a 2023 ISCS organizer by emailing metcalf@uri.edu. Alert a member of the 2023 ISCS host team if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress by emailing metcalf@uri.edu. Screenshots or any evidence of the concern is helpful but not required.  

Sources:
SciComm Camp/ Geek Feminism Wiki/ ComSciCon / AMNH

Privacy Policy

Third party service providers that assist us with the presentation and support of virtual conferences may have access to your registration information and other information you provide to us or directly to our third-party service providers as part of the services that they provide. These third-party service providers are only authorized to process the information they have access to or collect from conference participants as permitted by us or as set forth in the privacy policy of the third-party service provider.