RISE Code of Conduct and Liaisons

Rise Code banner showing that RISE stands for Respectful Inclusive Scientific Events

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 our meetings, you agree to comply with GSA’s Events Code of Conduct. There is no substitute for reading the Events Code, but here are a few reminders:

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

Report all conduct concerns right away using any of the following resources:

  • Email: ethics@geosociety.org;
  • RISE Office (on-site room at GSA annual meetings);
  • 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 pings 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.

RISE Liaisons

RISE Liaisons play an important role in making GSA meetings safe, respectful, and inclusive.

These volunteers wear visible RISE pins at our meetings to signify that they have completed a training session on what to do if they receive a complaint or learn about inappropriate conduct.

Who May Serve as a RISE Liaison?

All GSA members, staff, and others in good standing, defined below, may serve as RISE Liaisons.

Many GSA staff members are expected to act as RISE Liaisons, and we strongly encourage all GSA leaders, including councilors, committee members, and Section leaders, to serve in this important role.

Good Standing

To be in good standing, RISE Liaisons must certify that they are not under investigation for professional misconduct of the type covered in GSA's Code of Ethics and that no court, regulatory agency, employer, or other public or private entity has issued a restriction, sanction, ban, or any other form of discipline against them based on a finding that you engaged in such professional misconduct.

What Steps Are Needed to Become a RISE Liaison?

  1. Watch the 15-minute RISE Liaison Training Video
  2. Complete the RISE Liaison Training Verification form
  3. Read the RISE Liaison Tips after you have completed the training if you’d like a refresher.

RISE Liaison Training