Code of Conduct
Purpose
A primary goal of the WICS Committee is to promote gender equity in computing by advocating for and supporting women, trans, gender-fluid, gender-queer, and non-binary students enrolled in computer science and related graduate programs at the University of Waterloo. Additionally, WiCS seeks to advocate on the behalf of, include, and support members of all underrepresented groups in the fields of technology and computing.
Additionally, we seek to include and support members of all underrepresented groups in the fields of technology and computing, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).
We invite all those who participate in our events and who communicate with our community at large to help us create a safe and positive experiences for everyone involved.
We've outlined a code of conduct to highlight our expectations for all individuals who participate in our community, as well as the steps to handle unacceptable behaviour.
Expected behaviour
- Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Attempt collaboration before conflict.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
If you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, contact WiCS. No situation is considered inconsequential.
Unacceptable behaviour
Unacceptable behaviours include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community online, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business. Community event venues may be shared; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
Harassment includes: harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including 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 sponsors and those 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, the community organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).
Experiencing unacceptable behaviour
If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns, please notify an organizer as soon as possible (contact info below).
Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behaviour feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.
Addressing grievances
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should contact the at-large Women in Computer Science Committee Chair, currently Jo Atlee, with a concise description of your grievance.
Scope
We expect all community participants (participants, organizers, sponsors, and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues — online and in-person — as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.
Contact Information
WiCS Committee - wics@uwaterloo.ca
WiCS Outreach Coordinator - wicsoutreach@uwaterloo.ca