A. Applicability and Definitions
This Events Code of Conduct (the “Events Code”) applies to all “GSA Events,” defined
broadly as any in-person or online GSA-sponsored or -organized meetings or gatherings, wherever
located, including but not limited to annual and section meetings, conferences, workshops, field
trips, short courses, mentorships, retreats, GSA business meetings involving elected and appointed
volunteer leaders and committee members, and activities associated with, in the general time frame
of such GSA-sponsored or -organized meetings or gatherings.
This Events Code applies to all “Participants” in GSA Events, meaning organizers,
attendees, speakers, session chairs, individuals submitting abstracts, guests, volunteers,
exhibitors, GSA staff, service providers, and anyone else in attendance.
“RISE” stands for Respectful Inclusive Scientific Events. GSA typically displays
RISE signage at GSA Events to reinforce this Events Code and promote a positive, professional
climate.
“RISE Liaisons” are trained GSA staff and volunteers, who attend annual and section
meetings, and are available in case Participants want to speak with them about any conduct concerns.
RISE Liaisons typically wear a conspicuous badge or button so they are easy to find.
“GSA Leaders” have decision-making authority under this Events Code. For the purpose
of this policy, they are GSA’s Executive Director and President.
In addition to adhering to this Events Code, GSA Members must comply with GSA’s Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct in all of their
professional activities regardless of location.
B. Conduct Requirements for All Participants
GSA expects all Participants to comply with the letter and spirit of this Events Code. GSA Leaders
reserve the right to enforce this Events Code against any Participant found to have violated GSA’s
commitment to a professional, respectful, inclusive environment even if a specific behavior is not
listed below.
DO
- Show respect and consideration for all people, and do not
dominate discussions;
- Listen to others. Make room for a diversity of voices in group
discussions, on panels, and the like without pressuring those who choose not to
speak;
- Be collegial and collaborative. Be mindful of your tone and the
potential impact your position, experience, and/or privilege may have on others;
- Show that you value differing perspectives. Communicate openly
and civilly – critique ideas, not people;
- Be inclusive and intentional about welcoming a diversity of
individuals and their identities when networking, organizing panels, leading
sessions, or inviting others to share ideas;
- Honor presenters’ requests NOT to take pictures or recordings.
It is up to presenters to let Participants know if they do not allow pictures or
recordings;
- Act professionally and responsibly if you choose to drink when
alcohol is available at GSA events, or you use other legal intoxicants;
- Report concerns immediately so that GSA can act quickly to
address and resolve issues (see section D below for details on how to report
concerns);
- Respect confidentiality of the identities of any individuals
involved in a conduct concern while it is being reviewed and addressed;
- Comply with requests to stop behavior. If any GSA Leaders, GSA
staff, session or field trip leader, or other person in a facilitation or
leadership role asks you to stop a behavior deemed unacceptable;, immediately
and , respectfully comply;
- Obey the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels,
GSA-contracted facility, or any other venue where your meeting badge and GSA
affiliation is likely to be displayed.
DO NOT
- Intentionally talk over or interrupt others;
- Engage in conduct or make comments that are biased, demeaning,
intimidating, coercive, or harassing/hostile, whether seriously or
in jest (examples include derogatory, exclusionary behaviors or comments toward
others based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance,
body size, race, religion, national origin or any identity-based factors);
- Engage in personal attacks or bullying;
- Comment on personal appearance, seriously or in jest, unless
you know such comments are welcome;
- Display nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or
presentations;
- Touch or make physical contact with anyone unless you know such
contact is welcome;
- Disrupt or engage in violence or abuse, threats of violence, harm, or
threats of harm of any kind. Do not create/contribute to a safety
threat or unsafe or exclusionary situation. Unless otherwise required by law,
firearms, knives and other weapons are not allowed;
- Drink or use other legal intoxicants to the extent that your
ability to act professionally is compromised;
- Invade the personal privacy of individuals. Do not view, take
pictures of/record, or distribute pictures/recordings of individuals at times or
in places where they reasonably can expect privacy (e.g., bathrooms,
breastfeeding rooms, etc.);
- Take or distribute pictures or recordings without approval.
Presenters are responsible for making it known if pictures and recordings are
not allowed;
- Retaliate against or disadvantage anyone for reporting a
concern or cooperating in an investigation. Do not make bad faith
accusations.
Note About Differences of Opinion. To achieve the purposes of a GSA Event in the
limited time provided, discussions should be focused on the meeting topic at hand; all Participants
must be able and welcome to participate equitably and effectively. It is not a violation of this
Events Code to express an opinion, raise research, or describe an experience that is at odds with
the opinions of or is offensive to others, provided that such expressions are relevant to the topic
at hand and are offered in a respectful, civil manner that does not interfere with others’
reasonable ability to feel welcome and able to participate fully.
C. Additional Conduct Requirements for Abstract Submitters
DO
- Submit abstracts in good faith - If you submit an abstract for
a GSA meeting, plan on presenting your research at the meeting
- Display scientific integrity in disseminating your research.
- Adhere to the content and conclusions of the abstracts you
submit to GSA after they have been reviewed and accepted.
- Recognize co-authors that have made bona fide contributions to
your work provided they agree to be recognized.
- Prepare a polished product that conveys high quality
scholarship.
DO NOT
- Submit an abstract unless you sincerely intend to attend the GSA meeting
to present your research.
- List co-author without justification or approval – co-authors
must have made a bona fide contribution to your project and agree to be
included;
- Deviate from your approved abstract when making a presentation.
- Plagiarize the work of others.
D. How to Report Conduct Concerns
If you experience or witness behavior that appears to violate this Events Code, please notify GSA
immediately so we can take appropriate steps to address your concerns. Feel free to use any of the
following options:
- Speak to a RISE Liaisons. To spot a RISE Liaison, look for anyone wearing a
RISE badge.
- Email GSA’s ethics office at ethics@geosociety.org.
- Call GSA’s ethics office at +1-720-507-7523.
- Speak to GSA Staff or Leaders, i.e., GSA Staff and Leaders in designated
positions (i.e., GSA President, GSA Councilor, GSA Section Officer, GSA field trip leader).
E. Investigation Process and Consequences
GSA investigates all conduct concerns as promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially as possible. GSA’s
Ethics & Compliance Officer (or another qualified individual designated by GSA’s Executive
Director) investigates conduct concerns. RISE Liaisons and GSA staff/volunteers who receive
complaints are expected to notify the designated investigator promptly as they are not authorized to
carry out investigations themselves.
1. Process to Address Conduct Concerns
- Fact Finding. When a conduct concern is raised, GSA’s designated investigator
gathers information needed to make findings of fact. Typically, this involves speaking to the
identified target, the accused Participant, and any witnesses as well as reviewing any
documents, photographs, or other relevant information. To ensure adequate due process, it is
GSA’s policy to inform accused Participants of the allegations against them so that they have an
opportunity to provide relevant facts.
- Notice to GSA Leaders for Decision-Making. GSA’s Executive Director and
President (“GSA Leaders”) are responsible for making decisions about potential violations of
this Events Code. The investigator provides the GSA Leaders with pertinent details about the
allegations and findings of fact so that they can make timely decisions about whether there have
been Events Code violations and, if so, what consequences are appropriate. (See part 2 below for
information on potential consequences.)
- Confidentiality. GSA treats all conduct concerns as confidentially as possible,
making a reasonable effort to protect the identity of anyone involved in the investigation
process, including targets, accused individuals, and witnesses. GSA may determine that it needs
to share information with others to carry out a full investigation, facilitate monitoring and
oversight of our procedures, and/or collaborate with other professional societies that host
events at GSA meetings. In such cases, GSA will take care to limit what is shared and with whom
on a strict need-to-know basis. GSA expects everyone involved in an investigation, regardless of
their role, to respect the confidentiality of the process while the concerns are being reviewed
and addressed.
2. Consequences that may be Imposed by GSA Leaders.
GSA’s Leaders have the sole discretion to make interim and final decisions about the steps needed to
enforce this Events Code, considering what will serve GSA’s best interests and commitment to
ensuring safe, respectful, inclusive scientific events.
- Interim Decisions. GSA’s Leaders may decide that immediate action is necessary
to ensure the safety of a GSA Event before an investigation can be completed. For example, upon
receipt of credible allegations that an individual is engaging in disruptive, harassing, or
biased behavior that is reasonably likely to make other Participants feel unsafe, GSA’s Leaders
may require the accused Participant to leave a GSA Event immediately at the Participant’s own
expense and without refund. In such a case, GSA would promptly notify the accused Participant
and others directly involved of its decision, making it clear that:
- GSA’s Leaders have not made a judgment that the accused Participant violated this Events
Code, but rather they are prioritizing preventive safety and non-disruption measures;
- GSA will conduct a fair, thorough investigation as soon as it is feasible to do so and
that no final decisions will be made until that time;
- Confidentiality is paramount, and GSA expects everyone involved to respect and maintain
confidentiality of the identities of any individuals involved in this process.
- Final Decisions. Once an investigation is complete, GSA’s Leaders will review
the findings of fact to determine whether there has been a violation of this Events Code and, if
so, what consequences are warranted. Depending on the situation, such consequences may
include:
- Requiring the accused Participant to leave a GSA Event at the Participant’s own cost,
without refund;
- Prohibiting the accused Participant from attending future GSA Events; and
- Any other actions deemed necessary and appropriate.
Instead of or in addition to any of these consequences, GSA may with the consent of the parties
pursue a restorative or other community-building action or remedy.
- Notice of Final Decisions. After making a final decision, GSA’s Executive
Director will notify the accused Participant and the identified target of the decision.
F. Recordkeeping
GSA maintains confidential records of all conduct concerns reported under this Events Code and how
they were handled to assist GSA in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the effectiveness of this
Events Code.