NCMPR Conference Code of Conduct

PURPOSE

To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange, we are committed to facilitating a welcoming and respectful community for all. This code of conduct outlines our expectations for participant behavior and the consequences for unacceptable behavior. We invite all participants-attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, staff and volunteers - to help us realize a safe and positive conference experience for everyone. Participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, collegiality and care while participating in an NCMPR conference. 

Expected Behavior

NCMPR provides a comfortable and inclusive experience for every participant regardless of gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, physical appearance, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion or any other protected category. Conduct details include: 

• Act in a professional and appropriate manner at all times during an NCMPR event.
• Be considerate, respectful and collaborative.
• Refrain from displaying any demeaning, harassing, aggressive or intimidating materials or behavior. Use welcoming and inclusive language and be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of others around you to ensure a great experience for your fellow participants. 

Unacceptable Behavior

• Harassment, aggression, intimidation, racism, discrimination and sexism are hurtful and interfere with other people’s experience and participation in our community. These behaviors are inappropriate and unacceptable. Be specifically mindful to avoid behaviors that are inappropriate in regards to: race, color, creed, gender (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, religion (including religious dress and grooming), marital status, domestic partner status, genetic information, age, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.
• Inappropriate behavior can take many forms such as: slurs; jokes; derogatory statements; foul or obscene language; offensive clothing; nudity; leering; stalking; staring; gestures; pictures, drawings or cartoons; violating personal space by impeding or blocking another person's movement or otherwise physically interfering with them; harassing photography or recordings; unwanted or offensive letters or poems; offensive email or voicemail messages; and social media postings.
• Use of Illegal substances, possession of any item that can be used as a weapon, or wearing clothing not suitable for professional work environment.
• Misuse of alcohol. NCMPR acknowledges and respects the rights of individuals to use alcohol in a legal and responsible manner, just as it acknowledges and respects the rights of individuals who choose not to use alcohol. Although the moderate consumption of alcohol may be an acceptable part of certain social activities, alcohol that interferes with the business or professional development portions of NCMPR activities or events is prohibited.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, NCMPR will take appropriate action to ensure the event remains a safe and constructive environment. The consequences of such behavior may include but are not limited to the following: 

• Attendee may be immediately removed from the event without refund.
• Access to future NCMPR events may be limited/denied.
• Attendee behavior may be reported to the respective institution or organization. 

What to do if you witness or are subject to unacceptable behavior?

We encourage you to report any behavior that makes you or others feel uncomfortable. Harassment, discrimination, and disrespect will not be tolerated, and we encourage anyone who witnesses any such behavior to report it. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please reach out to NCMPR staff at [javascript protected email address] or complete NCMPR’s Bias Incident and Discrimination Reporting Form. 

While NCMPR takes all concerns raised seriously, we will use our discretion and consult qualified legal advice to determine when and how to follow up on reported incidents and may decline to take any further action and/or may direct the participant to other resources for resolution. NCMPR will take any action we deem appropriate, including giving verbal and written warnings, as well as expelling the offender from the event with no refund. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.