Code of Conduct

Scope

This code of conduct applies to all AUC activity including our conferences and other events, online forums, and to associated social events. It is a condition of participation in any AUC activity that people conduct themselves in accordance with this code, which applies to all participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and event staff.

Purpose

The AUC aims to provide welcoming and professional environments so that people ­regardless of age, race, gender identity or expression, background, disability, appearance, sexuality, walk of life, or religion can work together to share experience in the use of Apple technology in learning, developing as leaders in the use of Apple technology in learning, and to inspire and foster innovative use of Apple technology in learning.

So that participants can focus on these objectives, the AUC does not tolerate harassment or offensive behaviour in any AUC activity.

Respect

Respect yourself, and respect others. Be courteous to those around you. If someone indicates they don’t wish to be photographed, respect that wish. If someone indicates they would like to be left alone, let them be. Our event venues and online spaces may be shared with members of the public; please be considerate to all patrons of these locations.

At AUC events, respect fellow participants by complying with any health or safety measures, including Covid-safe plans, adopted for the event.

Inclusivity

Conference presentations and other contributions, including but not limited to keynotes, presentations, lightning talks, addresses, mailing list posts and forums, is subject to this code of conduct and may not contain:

  • sexual or violent imagery
  • exclusionary language
  • insults or ad­hominem attacks

Presenters and authors are asked to avoid language which is not appropriate for an all-­ages audience as much as possible.

If the subject matter of the presentation or other contribution cannot be presented adequately without including language that could be considered offensive, this should be pointed out in advance, for example at the beginning of a talk and in conference schedule, or in the introduction or abstract of an article.

Complaints

Complaints about harassment or offensive behaviour may be made to AUC conference organisers, to convenors or moderators of AUC online events and forums, or to the AUC Chair.

All complaints will remain confidential and be taken seriously. Complaints will be treated appropriately with discretion.

Any person asked by an organiser, convenor or moderator to cease in harassing or offensive behaviour must comply immediately.

At the discretion of organisers, convenors, or moderators as the case may be, a person violating this code of conduct may be excluded from the relevant conference or other activity, without refund.

At the discretion of the AUC Executive Council, a person violating this code may be excluded from all or some future AUC events or other activities.

Harassing or offensive behaviour

The AUC assumes that most people are intelligent and well-­intended, and that it is neither possible nor appropriate to list all inappropriate behaviours. However, unacceptable behaviours include:

  • offensive verbal or written remarks related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race or religion
  • sexual or violent images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
  • deliberate intimidation
  • stalking or following
  • unwanted photography or recording
  • sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • disruptive intoxicated behaviour
  • inappropriate physical contact
  • unwelcome sexual attention
  • sexist, racist, or other exclusionary jokes
  • unwarranted exclusion from conference or related events based on age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

Sponsors (and non-sponsoring businesses)

The AUC understands the business and promotional opportunities that our events may present, and appreciates the support that our sponsors and affiliates may provide. We expect businesses involved with our events to conduct themselves in a professional manner to inspire the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the public. Particularly, we require that sponsors, affiliates, and non-sponsoring businesses alike do not:

  • make misleading, deceptive, or false statements or claims about their personal or their companies’ professional qualifications, experience or performance;
  • solicit business in front of another company’s display, presentation or staff members;
  • interfere with promotional materials of another entity;
  • interfere with others’ participation in the conference with, for example, loud music, distracting noise, or overly aggressive marketing behaviour;
  • exceed or attempt to exceed the scope of benefits provided as part of a sponsorship package purchase.

In summary, we expect businesses involved with our events to conduct themselves in a professional manner to inspire the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the public.

This revision ratified by the Executive Council January 27, 2023.