Virtual Conference Do's and Don'ts
Virtual Conference Do's and Don'ts
adapted from the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassments in STEMM (AAPT is part of the Consortium)
adapted from the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassments in STEMM (AAPT is part of the Consortium)
DO…
demonstrate respect and consideration for all people and don’t dominate airtime;
listen well to others. Make room for a diversity of voices in group discussions, on panels, and the like. Welcome all voices, regardless of whether they participate by video/audio, audio or other means. Facilitators, invite but be sensitive not to pressure those who have not communicated to do so;
be collaborative. Be mindful not to exert dominance over others. Consider the effect of relationship, position, experience, and privilege power differentials, ease of communicating by video/audio vs. audio or other means, and other factors to avoid dominance;
demonstrate that differing perspectives are valued—critique ideas (not people);
demonstrate welcome for a diversity of individuals and their identities—pay attention to whether individuals of many identities and roles are included on panels, leading sessions, being called on when they raise their hands or use the chat function, and having their points considered;
act to avoid invading personal privacy of individuals. Assume that a person who is being viewed at times or in places where people can reasonably expect privacy (e.g., bathrooms, breastfeeding rooms, etc.) via the Virtual Meeting platform does not realize it and notify a Meeting Official right away to help the person;
report conduct concerns to AAPT so that concerns can be addressed responsibly and timely. Respect and maintain confidentiality of the identities of any individuals involved in a conduct concern, while it is being reviewed and addressed;
answer questions about conduct concerns in a forthright and complete manner (e.g., when registering or during a review of concerns); and
if any leader or facilitator of an activity/session, any official of the platform, or any Meeting Official directs a Participant to stop a behavior or comment, immediately comply. Directions are made to implement this Policy or the platform’s policies. After Participants comply, they may raise any questions or concerns to a Meeting Official.
DO NOT…
intentionally talk over or interrupt others;
favor those participating by video/audio over audio or other means;
·engage in biased, demeaning, intimidating, coercive, or harassing/hostile conduct or commentary, whether seriously or in jest (e.g., based on power differential, gender [sex, identity, expression], sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, age, body size or other physical appearance, disability, or other identities); this is the opposite of respectful and welcoming conduct;
engage in personal attacks;
comment on personal appearance or assumed or known reasons why a person chooses to participate via video/audio, audio, or other means—seriously or in jest;
retaliate against or disadvantage anyone for reporting a conduct concern or assisting in its resolution. Do not make bad faith accusations;
disrupt the virtual meeting (e.g., “zoom-bombing”) or engage in harm or threats of harm of any kind. Do not create/contribute to a safety threat or unsafe or exclusionary situation;
make audio or visual recordings of the Virtual Meeting in any medium—and do not distribute audio or visual recordings of the Virtual Meeting (via social media or any other means). Only the Society or its agents may do so, after warning Participants to give them an opportunity to opt out;
do not take or distribute pictures of or copy research posters/presentation materials unless explicit permission is granted; or
do not engage in any of these bad acts in the Virtual Meeting (including via public or private chat)—or on social media or other means in any way associated with the Virtual Meeting.