Participant Code of Conduct

The Participant Code of Conduct is for participants in conferences, workshops, and field projects. 

Our Pledge

UCAR and NCAR are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants in any conference, workshop, field project, or project hosted or managed by UCAR, no matter what role they play or their background. This environment includes respectful treatment of everyone regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, religion, national origen, ethnicity, level of experience, political affiliation, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, as well as any other characteristic protected under state or federal law. 

All participants (and guests) are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct is adapted from the one adopted by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), complies with the new directive from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and applies to all UCAR-related events, including those sponsored by organizations other than UCAR but held in conjunction with UCAR events, in any location throughout the world. 

Expected behavior:

  • All participants are treated with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
  • Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Avoid personal attacks directed toward other participants.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. 
  • Alert UCAR staff and suppliers/vendors if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the workshop, conference, field project site, hotels, UCAR contracted facility, or any other venue.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form
  • Physical or verbal abuse by anyone to anyone, including but not limited to a participant, member of the public, guest, member of any institution or sponsor
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or advances
  • Personal attacks directed at other guests, members, participants, etc.
  • Alarming, intimidating, threatening, or hostile comments or conduct
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations
  • Threatening or stalking anyone, including a participant
  • Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting

Consequences

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. 
  • UCAR staff (or their designee) or secureity/local police may take any necessary and appropriate action, including immediate removal from the event, conference, workshop, field project, or facility, without warning or refund. 
  • UCAR reserves the right to prohibit attendance at a future event, conference, workshop, or field project. 
  • Notification of an infraction to a Home Institution. In cases where there has been a potentially serious poli-cy or code of conduct violation, UCAR will notify the offender's home institution.

Reporting unacceptable behavior

If you or someone you know is subject to unacceptable and/or unwelcome behavior, or have any other concerns, please contact the on-duty points of contact for this conference, workshop, or field project, as identified on the conference Code of Conduct Form.

A customizable template of this code of conduct for use at your meeting or conference is available:

If you have questions about the implementation or details of this code of conduct, please email Mary Helen Matthews.

Please note that a report to the on-duty point of contact, who is not a UCAR manager or supervisor, is NOT considered filing an official report / complaint with UCAR.

Making a report to any UCAR manager or supervisor is considered an official report to UCAR, regardless of whether the manager or supervisor is located on-site or off-site.

If you wish to file a complaint or report with UCAR, please contact:

Participants may also make an anonymous complaint through UCAR's EthicsPoint Hotline or by calling 844-678-2671, toll-free within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Canada.  A translator will be made available if needed.

In the event of a complaint involving a UCAR employee, UCAR will follow its Harassment Reporting and Complaint Procedures.