The WiscNet community is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for participants, in person or online. We’ve written this code of conduct not because we expect bad behavior -- in our experience, you are overwhelmingly kind and civil -- but because we believe a clear code of conduct is a necessary part of a community space.
Our guiding principle with this code is to ensure and enforce the safety of WiscNet community members from harassment. We want to provide a safe place for discussion, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas that is supportive and open to all. This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, at WiscNet Connections, WiscNet events, or in our online spaces, as well as the consequences of unacceptable behavior.
If you believe someone is violating this Code of Conduct (someone has harassed you or otherwise treated you inappropriately) please notify a WiscNet staff member as soon as possible or email conduct@wiscnet.net
By attending WiscNet Connections or other WiscNet events, you agree to maintain and support these gatherings as harassment-free spaces:
Be considerate and respectful in speech and actions. Be mindful of how you interact with others -- remember that harassment isn’t about what you intend, but about how your words or actions are received.
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech. Harassment includes but is not limited to: deliberate intimidation; stalking; unwanted photography or recording; inappropriate physical contact; use of discriminatory or sexual imagery, comments, or jokes; unwelcome sexual attention; and sustained or willful disruption of talks or other events.
Take care of each other. Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow WiscNet community members. Alert a member of the WiscNet staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this code of conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
Harassing behavior from any attendee or community member, including exhibitors, will not be tolerated and WiscNet may take any action we deem appropriate, including but not limited to asking the offender to leave the conference (without refund).
If you believe you have been unfairly accused of violating this code of conduct, email conduct@wiscnet.net with a concise description of your grievance; any grievances filed will be considered by the appropriate WiscNet staff.
We welcome your feedback on this and every other aspect of WiscNet Connections, and we thank you for working with us to make it a safe, enjoyable, and friendly experience for everyone who participates.
FAQ
Why have you adopted a Code of Conduct?
The WiscNet community is amazing. If you’re been part of it for awhile, you’ll notice that this Code of Conduct matches what we already do. Think of this as documentation: we’re taking implicit expectations about behavior and making them explicit.
This isn’t just a growing trend among conferences, events, or online spaces: we’re doing this because WiscNet is growing. That’s fantastic and we want nothing more than to see it continue, and now is the time to be clear about our values. A Code of Conduct is a message to people -- especially those who feel they are “others” -- about what to expect, that they can feel welcome and safe, and that we care.
We know the WiscNet community is open, friendly, professional, and kind. We want to make sure everyone else knows it too.
What does it mean to "adopt" a Code of Conduct?
For the WiscNet community, it doesn’t mean large changes. We think that this code merely upholds behavior we already see, almost without exception, from all of you. We expect that most people will simply continue to behave in the awesome way they have for years, in person and online.
What happens if someone violates the Code of Conduct?
Our intent is that the anyone in the community can stand up for this code, and direct people who're unaware to this document. If that doesn't work, or if you need more help, you can contact a WiscNet staff member in attendance or email conduct@wiscnet.net
Why do we need a Code of Conduct?
Most people are fundamentally good and don’t need to be told to not harass peers and others. But harassment happens. So we want to be clear about our expectations. Maintaining a code of conduct means we have to consider and articulate what kind of community we want to foster. It also serves as a signpost to people looking to be part of the the WiscNet community that we feel these values are important.
Further Questions?
Feel free to contact us.
Credits for the sources and inspiration of this code of conduct go to Django, SRCCON, Citizen Code of Conduct, and Theorizing the Web.