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GVSU Computing REU Site

• About
• Policies

Code of Conduct

## Purpose and scope This REU Site is committed to fostering a professional, inclusive, and respectful community. This REU brings together people with a variety of intellectual and personal backgrounds and aims to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. This goal can only be met when everyone conducts themselves in a manner that is supportive and welcoming. This Code of Conduct summarizes the behavior expected of all participants in the NSF REU Site, "Research Experience for Undergraduates Intersecting Computing and Evolution." Participants include mentees, mentors, organizers, and any external individuals participating in REU activities. This Code of Conduct applies to all REU-related activities, including events, meetings, programs, and online spaces. ## Expected behavior All participants are expected to: * Engage in professional and respectful interactions * Show professional courtesy and compassionate patience toward others * Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment * Value diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities * Communicate openly and constructively, even when perspectives differ * Give and gracefully accept constructive feedback * Act with integrity * Take responsibility for mistakes and any impact on others, and learn from the experience ## Prohibited behavior This REU will not tolerate behavior that is inconsistent with its commitment to a professional, inclusive, and respectful community. Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to: * Harassment, discrimination, or exclusionary conduct based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, age, or other protected characteristics * Violent or combative behavior, bullying, intimidation, threats, or personal attacks (verbal, written, or physical) * Unwanted verbal attention, unwanted touching, stalking, or shaming * Treating someone in a condescending manner or with the implied assumption of incompetence * Use of sexist, sexualized, racist, or otherwise violent examples when unnecessary to the point being made and without a content warning (examples include computer vision example “Lenna”, Diamonds Were a Girl’s Best Friend plot, race-based mortality data without context) * Sustained disruption of talks or other events * Critiques of scientific work are appropriate and important, but all forms of communication must be free of offensive, discriminatory or disrespectful elements, including (but not limited to) words and images that are derogatory or demeaning to individuals or groups [1] * Disruptive behavior that interferes with REU activities * Inappropriate or non-consensual use of images, recordings, or personal information * Use of REU activities or platforms for unauthorized solicitation, promotion, or commercial activity * Inappropriate comments presented in a joking manner * Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns or report violations * Reporting an incident in bad faith * Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior [1] Disagreements about science are a normal and healthy part of a scientific community. Civil and constructive criticism of someone’s work for a perceived methodological flaw or a misinterpretation of results is appropriate. Demeaning an individual and other ad hominem attacks are inappropriate.​​ ## Reporting concerns Violations of the Code of Conduct or related concerns can be submitted directly to Erik Fredericks (frederer@gvsu.edu) or Austin Ferguson (ferguaus@gvsu.edu), or via the following (optionally anonymous) form: [TODO - google form]. The form responses are sent directly to Erik Fredericks and Austin Ferguson. Additionally, concerns may be reported to the Dean of the College of Computing as well (Marouane Kessentini - kessentm@gvsu.edu). The organizers of this REU will make every effort to respond in a timely and appropriate manner, maintain confidentiality to the extent possible, and review concerns impartially and respectfully. ## Enforcement and accountability The REU organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations in this Code of Conduct. Actions may include, but are not limited to: * Verbal or written warnings * Removal from REU activities or online spaces * Dismissal from the program REU participants asked to stop any harassing behavior or behaviors prohibited by this Code of Conduct are expected to comply immediately. ## Non-retaliation This REU prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith or participates in the review of a complaint. Retaliation will be treated as a violation of this Code of Conduct. ## Acknowledgements This Code of Conduct is adapted from the policies of other communities, including the [Council on Undergraduate Research](https://www.cur.org/about/code-of-conduct/), the [International Society for Artificial Life](https://alife.org/code-of-conduct/), and [Evolution](https://www.evolutionmeetings.org/policies.html).