Let’s Make this a Respectful, Inclusive Scientific Event (RISE)!
GSA takes pride in offering safe, professional, inclusive events in which participants with diverse
backgrounds and points of view feel welcome and can count on being treated with dignity and
respect. By registering for this meeting, you agree to comply with GSA’s
Events Code of Conduct.
Here are some simple ways you can make this a Respectful, Inclusive Scientific Event:
Show Respect
- Keep questions concise and on topic.
- Be considerate and listen with an open mind.
- Be constructive - critique ideas, not people.
- Avoid saying or doing anything that is or is likely to be perceived as harassment or bullying.
Be Inclusive
- Demonstrate that you welcome a diversity of individuals and their identities.
- Show that you value different perspectives.
- Be mindful of potential biases and avoid comments and behaviors that are likely to make others
feel unwelcome or uncomfortable based on any identity-based factors. Harassment and bullying
are never acceptable regardless of intent.
Speak Up If You are a Target or Have Conduct Concerns
Report all conduct concerns right away using any of the following resources:
- Email: ethics@geosociety.org;
- Phone: +1-720-507-7523;
- RISE Office: GSA offers a RISE Office at annual meetings for face-to-face contact with GSA’s
ethics staff;
- GSA leaders: Speak with any GSA leader with whom you feel comfortable, e.g., Executive Director,
President, Councilor, Division or Section leader, field trip leader.
- RISE Liaisons: Speak with a RISE Liaison, i.e., a GSA member or employee that has been trained
to handle conduct concerns. RISE Liaisons wear RISE name badges and are present at all GSA
annual and section meetings.
GSA takes all concerns seriously. We will follow up on every report and take all appropriate steps to
keep our events safe, respectful, and inclusive.
Comply with GSA’s Events Code of Conduct
- Read GSA’s Events Code of Conduct before each meeting or event.
- Remember that GSA does not tolerate any of the following behavior:
- Comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size,
race, religion, or national origin;
- Sexual images in public spaces or presentations;
- Unwelcome physical contact;
- Real or implied threats, stalking, intimidation, or physical or verbal abuse;
- Behaviors that disrupting presentations at oral or poster sessions, in the exhibit hall, on
field trips, or at other events organized by GSA at the meeting venue, hotels, or other
GSA-contracted facilities;
- Taking pictures or making audio or video recordings after a presenter or convener has
communicated that such images are not allowed;
- Drinking or using other intoxicants to excess or to the extent that your ability to act
professionally is compromised.
In addition to other disciplinary action deemed appropriate, GSA reserves the right to have you
removed from any GSA event without a refund if you violate any provisions of GSA’s Events Code of
Conduct.