ASBOG® Code of Conduct/Harassment Policy and Performance Guidelines

Approved April 5, 2017 ExCmte

Purpose

ASBOG® is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all participants in any ASBOG® activity.  ASBOG® will not tolerate inappropriate behavior or harassment of any sort. Further, sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination and is a violation of federal and state law. All registrants, guests, volunteers, exhibitors, ASBOG® staff, service providers, and others participating  in  ASBOG® activities are expected to abide by this ASBOG® Code of Conduct/Harassment /Performance Guidelines Policy, which outlines specific expectations for participants at any ASBOG® related activity.

Policy

1. General Code of Conduct/Harassment Statement

The ASBOG® Executive Committee is responsible for maintaining a work environment free of improper conduct or harassment. Immediate and appropriate corrective action will be taken when cases of improper conduct or harassment occur.  Anyone involved in an ASBOG® activity who experiences or witnesses any action that is believed to be harassment of any sort should consult with any member of the ASBOG® Executive Committee immediately.  It is a violation of this ASBOG® policy to retaliate in any way against an ASBOG® member or an ASBOG®-sanctioned event participant because they have raised allegations of improper conduct or harassment.

The ASBOG® Code of Conduct is to facilitate the professional and ethical operation of the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG®) by providing guidance to its members on issues of professional ethics. It fosters and promotes ethical behavior among the ASBOG® members, individuals, and groups associated with ASBOG®. Although this Code of Conduct provides guidance for ASBOG® members, it does not, and for reasons of practicality cannot address or provide guidance for all possible ethical situations.

2. Expected Behavior

Anyone Present or Participating in ASBOG® sanctioned events is to:

1. Be treated with respect and consideration.
2. Be considerate, collegial, and collaborative.
3. Communicate openly, with civil attitudes, when critiquing.
4. Exercise consideration and respect in his/her speech and actions.
5. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
6. Be mindful of his/her surroundings and of fellow participants.

ASBOG® event venues may be shared with members of the public; the expectation is to be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

3. Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in ASBOG® events, related events, and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of ASBOG® events. Examples included but are not limited to:

1. Bullying, badgering, or exhibiting aggressive behavior toward another participant.
2. Derogatory, harmful, or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, appearance, or other personal characteristics.
3. Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides).
4. Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
5. Harassing photography or recording.
6. Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
7. Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact.
8. Physical assault (including unwelcome touching or groping).
9. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
10. Real or implied threat of physical harm.
11. Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.

4. Performance Guidelines

Members And Representatives of ASBOG® Shall:

1. only provide guidance and/or express opinions in those areas in which the individual is technically competent;
2. function without prejudice with respect to sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual preference, or physical or mental disability;
3. be fair in all dealings with all parties;
4. be objective in all decisions;
5.  act with professionalism to enhance the image of the geological profession and ASBOG® ;
6.  take full responsibility for their work;  work aggressively to enhance their personal professional competency;
7. work to improve the services provided by ASBOG®;
8. be mindful to not intentionally or inadvertently disclose confidential written or oral information (i.e., examination questions, personnel records, correspondence, etc.) and shall comply with all procedures to safeguard confidential materials;
9. refrain from participating in any examination review course development or operation for a period of three (3) years, regardless of remuneration, following participation in any ASBOG® examination workshop;
10. cooperate with other appropriate organizations;
11. contact ASBOG® for authorization prior to representing the organization in written or oral format;
12. encourage all members to accept and to adhere to these guidelines;
13.  work aggressively for the enforcement of these guidelines; and shall
14. report to  ASBOG® Executive Committee violation of these guidelines,

 

5. Consequences of Failure to Comply with Code of Conduct / Harassment Policy, and/or Performance Policy

ASBOG® has zero tolerance for failure to comply with the Code of Conduct, Harassment Policy, or Performance Guidelines by any participant at or representing ASBOG®-sanctioned activities, including attendees, members, vendors, exhibitors, contractors, staff, venue staff, and anyone with decision-making authority. Each matter brought to the attention of the Executive Committee will be immediately addressed. If it is deemed that the individual has engaged in unacceptable behavior as outlined in this policy, the individual will be asked to leave the event (without refund), his or her membership status will be evaluated, and/or the ASBOG® Executive Committee will contact the appropriate local authorities to act as they deem necessary.

Wording taken from and modified from the AAUP “Sexual Harassment, GSA Code of Conduct, AIPG Code of conduct

Approved April 5, 2017 ExCmte

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