The POGIL Project is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all of its meeting participants and staff that fosters open dialogue and exchange of ideas. This environment is based on all persons treating each other with respect, inclusivity, and consideration, recognizing that POGIL events are places for diversity of thought, active listening, and collaboration. Members of the POGIL community lead by example and make sure that their own actions reflect the above values. The POGIL Project expects people to communicate and interact in a constructive, collegial, and respectful manner at all times.
The POGIL Project expects all participants in POGIL events to abide by this Code of Conduct, consistent with our Guiding Principles. This includes, but is not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, POGIL staff, members of the media, exhibitors, vendors, and service providers (hereinafter "Participants"). This Code of Conduct applies in all venues, including virtual and face-to-face sessions, ancillary events, and social gatherings, as well as online forums and discussions facilitated by The POGIL Project. Abiding by these guidelines helps ensure that all individuals will have a positive experience.
Expected Behavior
As a Participant, you should:
-
Contribute to a collegial, considerate, cooperative, inclusive, positive, and respectful environment at all POGIL events. This includes being mindful and respectful about others’ opinions, culture, and feelings, even if they differ from your own.
-
Communicate openly, with civil attitudes, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
-
Frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and be aware of how other people might perceive language or images.
-
Adhere to rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, or any other venues where you will be with other event Participants.
Unacceptable Behavior
At POGIL events, no one should ever feel belittled or made to feel unsafe. The following behavior will not be tolerated: disrupting or disallowing participation by others; harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form, including physical, written, electronic, or verbal abuse.
Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:
-
Derisive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, medical condition, pregnancy, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, citizenship, culture, marital status, familial status, domestic partner or civil union status, use of a guide or support animal, educational background, or veteran/military status.
-
Threatening language or behavior, or stalking. Inappropriate or unwelcome touch.
-
Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations or telling of sexually explicit or culturally offensive jokes.
-
Irresponsible use of alcohol or other controlled substances.
Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
-
If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, The POGIL Project encourages you to attempt to handle the situation on a person-to-person basis. However, if that is not possible or appropriate, please contact a trusted colleague, POGIL meeting/workshop leader, or the Project National Office ([email protected]).
-
If you notice someone in distress, perceive a potentially dangerous situation, a criminal or other unlawful act, or an immediate or serious threat to public safety, immediately alert meeting security personnel, POGIL staff, or POGIL leadership, or contact 911. You should also take actions necessary to maintain your own personal safety.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
-
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected immediately to cease and desist in such behavior.
-
POGIL staff, leadership, security, or law enforcement personnel shall take action(s) determined in their discretion to be necessary and/or appropriate. Depending on the specific situation, these actions might include:
-
Verbal warnings
-
Meeting with the parties involved, individually or as a group
-
Temporary removal from the event
-
Immediate removal from the event, without warning or refund
-
Suspension from participation in current and future events
-
Referral to law enforcement or other appropriate authorities
*Note: This code applies to “POGIL Events” including POGIL workshops, the National Conference to Advance POGIL Practice (NCAPP), the POGIL National Meeting, and other events (in person or virtual) organized by The POGIL Project. Other codes might apply for events (e.g., academic conferences) with other organizers. Workshop facilitators and other event leaders should clearly identify the relevant guidelines and procedures for their events, and contact The POGIL National Office with questions or concerns.