3 Code of Conduct

Because this class needs to be a participatory community if students are to fulfill their potential for learning, people who disrupt the community by their words or actions disrupt that community. Rude, sarcastic, obscene, or disrespectful speech and disruptive behaviour have a negative impact on everyone’s learning. Aggressive behaviour, bullying, abusive language, sexism, ageism, ableism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, etc. will not be tolerated. We are all entitled to ask questions and hold opinions, but these must be presented in a respectful manner. All discussions must be respectful, regardless of how much you disagree with another person or group in the classroom. We will refer to and address our peers using their names and pronouns. We will work towards a space where everyone has a voice, where everyone can be heard, and where everyone is accepted and welcomed.

Our learning environment must be a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and/or religion (or lack thereof). As we wish to facilitate and encourage the fullest participation of everyone, this code of conduct outlines the expectations for all participants (including the instructor, other staff, and community partners).

• Expected Behaviour: Members of our community are expected to 1) participate in an authentic and active way, and in doing so, contribute to the health and value of our community, 2) exercise consideration and respect in their speech and actions, 3) attempt collaboration before conflict, 4) refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech, and 5) be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants, and alert community leaders (e.g. your instructor) if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violation of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
• Citizenship & Participation: Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society. If you see someone who is making an extra effort to ensure our community is welcoming, and friendly and encourages all participants to contribute to the fullest extent, we want to know.
• Unacceptable Behaviour: Unacceptable behaviours include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community, either in person, online, at any related events, or in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business. Harassment includes harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to race, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including computer labs and presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
• Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour: Unacceptable behaviour from any community member, including the course instructor and those members with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately. If a community member engages in unacceptable behaviour, action will be taken to ensure that such behaviour ends, beginning with action on the part of the course instructor, and escalating if necessary. Additional information on University policy regarding harassment, conduct, and human rights is available here.
• If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behaviour: If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, please notify the course instructor as soon as possible. If you feel that the course instructor cannot or will not provide remedy for the situation, please contact any of these alternate resources: 1) Associate Director, Undergraduate (click here to email), 2) Director of the School (click here to email), 3) Associate Dean, Academic (click here to email), 4) Office of Diversity and Human Rights (click here to email, or ext 53000), or 5) Campus Community Police (ext 52245).