Teaching Family Science Conference Code of Conduct
The Teaching Family Science conference is an inclusive space where Family Science colleagues can share and inspire innovative and creative approaches to teaching, learning, and practice. The smaller nature of our conference allows for discussion, reflection, and sharing of feedback, and it is our hope and expectation that this format leads to mutual respect in knowledge creation within a diverse community. The Family Science Association prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination.
The Family Science Association has established this Conference Code of Conduct (the “Code”) to serve as a guideline for the professional conduct of anyone participating in the Teaching Family Science conference (the “conference”) and to inform attendees of the consequences for unacceptable behavior. Failure to abide by this code of conduct is subject, but not limited, to restorative practices and/or corrective action and sanctions, including refused admission, removal from the conference and conference related activities, and/or permanent expulsion from the Family Science Association and future Teaching Family Science conferences. Instances where failure to abide by the Code will be handled on a case to case basis.
Expected Behavior
The following behaviors are expected and requested of all Teaching Family Science conference participants:
- Behaving in a courteous and professional manner
- Treating all participants with respect, dignity, and consideration, in the spirit of valuing a diversity of views and opinions
- Being considerate, respectful, and collaborative in your communication and actions
- Discussing differences and critiquing ideas in a non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others
- Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech
- Reporting suspected inappropriate behaviors directed at yourself or others
- Respecting the rules, policies, and property of the Family Science Association and its facilities and vendors
- Complying with all applicable laws and regulations
Prohibited Behavior
Violations of this Code include but are not limited to the following:
- Harassment – defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome or offensive verbal, visual, or physical contact directed at any Participant, including conduct, comments, or images that a person would reasonably find offensive, demeaning, or hostile
- Sexual harassment – defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature that has or that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person
- Exhibiting behavior that is unruly or disruptive, or that endangers the health or safety of yourself or others
- Discriminatory conduct based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, veteran status, political affinity, or any other characteristic protected by law
- Deliberate intimidation, threatening, stalking, or following
- Sustained disruption of portions of the conference or event
- Invasion of privacy
- Actual or threatened pushing, shoving, or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person
- Possession or use of a weapon or any other item in a way that may cause danger to others
- Destruction, theft, dismantlement, defacement, abuse, or intentional misuse of any Family Science Association or contracted venues, property, equipment, signage, or supplies
- Failure to comply with directions of Teaching Family Science board members or venue personnel regarding operations or emergency response procedures
- Retaliation against participants for reporting activity that he or she reasonably believed to be in violation of this Code
- Knowingly and falsely reporting violations of this Code in bad faith
This Code is not intended to be all inclusive, and it is likely there will be conduct and/or issues that it does not specifically address. In that event, as in all others, Participants are expected to follow the direction of Family Science Association board members who will take appropriate action to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Participants.
Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
To report a violation of this Code, please contact Bethany Willis (bnwillis@towson.edu) and Laura Evans (lme20@psu.edu). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you see something suspicious or would like to report a security issue or emergency, please contact venue security or local law enforcement.
Teaching Family Science Duty of Care
By attending the 2024 Teaching Family Science Conference, you agree to the following:
- Adhering to applicable safety protocols and guidelines as required by federal and state guidelines, local event hosts (Family Science Association) and event property (Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino).
- Following proper hygiene etiquette including, but not limited to; regular hand washing/sanitizing, covering coughs and sneezes, and monitoring your own health.
- The Family Science Association encourages the use of over-the-counter COVID tests in order to minimize risk to other participants as well as other guests of the conference hotel and the local community in Puerto Rico.
- Staying home or in your hotel room if you have any symptoms that indicate you may be unwell including but not limited to: fever, excessive cough or shortness of breath, fatigue.
Respecting the personal comfort of fellow attendees who may choose to wear masks or social distance.
Agreement
All those who register for the 2024 Teaching Family Science Conference are asked to indicate their agreement with this Duty of Care statement during registration. Should you find yourself unable to indicate agreement, please contact the conference co-chairs at conference@familyscienceassociation.org so that they can address your concerns.
I voluntarily agree to accept and assume all risks associated with in-person attendance at the 2023 Teaching Family Science Conference, including health risks associated with the COVID-19 virus and any other public health risks. I recognize that attending the Teaching Family Science Conference in person is purely voluntary. I have read the cancellation policy and agree that the Family Science Association is not responsible for any refunds in conference registration fees or hotel reservation fees due to last minute changes in my attendance. I voluntarily agree to follow any and all health-related protocols imposed by the event host, local, state, or federal agencies, and while the Family Science Association will make every effort to inform me of such protocols, ultimately it is my responsibility to understand and adhere to these.
