Code of Conduct

The Azores Symposium is a gathering of experts across diverse yet convergent fields related to ocean science and engineering. The symposium will value the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experience of those attending and is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all present. By its very nature, the symposium is expected to be an effective forum to consider and debate science-relevant viewpoints in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner. This Code of Conduct is important to promoting diversity of ideas, opinions and thought and creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all participants.

Each member of the symposium agrees that any information presented at the event, whether in a formal talk, poster session, or discussion, is a private communication from the individual making the contribution and is presented with the restriction that such information is not for public use. Prior to quoting or publishing any such information presented at the symposium in any publication, written or electronic, written approval of the contributing member must first be obtained.

The audio or video recording of presentations by any means, the photography of slide or poster material, and printed or electronic quotes from papers, presentations and discussion at the symposium without written consent of the contributing member is prohibited. These restrictions apply to each member of the symposium and are intended to cover social networks, blogs, tweets or any other publication, distribution, communication or sharing of information presented or discussed at the event. Each member of the symposium acknowledges and agrees to these restrictions when the invitation is accepted and as a condition of being permitted to attend this event.

Expected Behavior

• Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions (including those you may not share).

• Communicate openly, with respect for other participants, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.

• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech directed toward other participants.

• Be mindful of surroundings and of fellow participants. Alert the organizers if you notice unacceptable behavior, a dangerous situation, or someone in distress.

• Please use discretion, and by default, ask for clarification rather than assuming others’ points of view.

• Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotel and the location of the event.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form. Harassment includes speech or behavior that is not welcome or is personally offensive. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so use discretion to be certain respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior.

• Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical or verbal abuse of any participant

  • Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior related to age, appearance or body size, employment or military status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, individual lifestyle, marital status, national origin, physical or cognitive ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, race, or religion

  • Inappropriate physical contact

  • Unwanted sexual attention

  • Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

  • Harassing photography or recording, including taking photographs or recording of another individual’s oral presentation or poster without the explicit permission of that individual

  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events

  • Bullying behavior

  • Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior

Consequences

• Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately

• The symposium organizers (or their designees) may take any immediate action they deem necessary and appropriate, including removal from the meeting without warning or compensation of any kind

• The matter may be referred to the errant participant’s employer

The organizers can be reached anytime during the event via the hotel and also via email at azores-symp22-org@googlegroups.com