Code of Conduct

Purpose

UW Coffee n' Code is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members, ensuring that each and every one is nurtured, encouraged, and empowered to pursue and develop their interest in technology, software development, and professional enhancement. The club believes that it is important that members, committee, administrators and any partners associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others, regardless of age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religion, politics, socioeconomic status, interests, or lack thereof. In this effort, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with any member of the committee or the executive team.

The intention of this document is to establish clear expectations and acceptable behavior from the members and associated partners of UW Coffee n' Code, to ensure an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, abuse, and violence. It is not intended to restrict the rights of anyone; rather, to ensure that all persons are treated with dignity and respect. To this end, it is understood that any individual intending to be associated with UW Coffee n' Code have given their consent to be bound by articles of this code of conduct.

Expected Behaviour

As a member or associated partner of UW Coffee n' Code, you are expected to abide by the following code of practice:

you must take responsibility for ensuring you are up to date with the rules, understand and adhere to them
you must respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religion, politics, socioeconomic status, interests, or lack thereof
you should be a positive role model and treat other individuals with the same level of respect you would expect to be shown to you
use correct and proper language at all times
you are not allowed to smoke, consume alcohol or drugs on club premises or whilst representing the club
you must never engage in violence, physical or otherwise
bullying of any sort will not be tolerated

Deliberate or Unintended Behaviour

Unacceptable conduct may be deliberate or unintended. The test is whether a reasonable person knows or ought to know that such behaviour would be considered unwelcome or inappropriate by the recipient.

Experiencing Unacceptable Behaviour

The Executive Team and the Committee members are herein referred to as the Officers, or singularly as Officer.

Reporting a violation of the Code of Conduct

If you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, contact an Officer immediately. No situation is considered inconsequential, and we rely on the alertness and initiative of each individual to grow a conscious and accountable community. All reporters will retain the right to be anonymous. If the situation is urgent and/or of significant gravity, the reporter is encouraged to notify other services available to them, including but not limited to the Police, Emergency, and Social Services. Safety will always be the first priority of UW Coffee n' Code.

Handling a violation

Upon receiving a complaint the Officer will inform the first of the following people who is not personally involved in the situation, or in a close relationship with the someone involved in the situation and is available. This person shall handle the complaint and shall hereafter be referred to as the Handling Officer.

One of the co-Presidents
The Vice President of Operations
Any other member of the Executive team
Any member of the committee

The Handling Officer will interview the subject of the complaint and any witnesses and consult with other relevant Officers to gather all necessary information for deliberation. Each member of the Executive team and the Committee involved in the deliberation shall be familiar with University Policies 33, 34, and 42. The deliberation will me made in adherence to all University policies, laws, and bylaws, and all possible efforts and considerations will be made to deliver a just and equitable resolution to the situation.

Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior

Once the deliberation against the violation of the Code of Conduct has concluded, the Handling Officer is responsible for disseminating the resolution to all involved parties within a reasonable time. In order to avoid a subsequent incident, the resolution may involve one or more action towards the violator of the Code of Conduct. The possible actions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

A verbal warning, clearly communicating the offending behaviour and further consequences of a repeat incident
A suspension, for a limited time or indefinitely, from future events spaces arranged by UW Coffee n' Code
A suspension, for a limited time or indefinitely, from using resources of, or representing a role in, UW Coffee n' Code
Expulsion from, and severing any associations with, UW Coffee n' Code
A formal complaint through University policy, such as 33, 34, and 42.