ÌÇÐÄvlog

*Please read this Conduct Policy before attending an ÌÇÐÄvlog in-person or online event. 

I.  Purpose and Scope

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ÌÇÐÄvlog) convenes events to advance architectural education, professional development, and scholarly exchange. These gatherings can only thrive when diverse voices are welcomed and in which all participants feel respected and secure. Harassment, discrimination, and intimidation undermine these principles. This policy applies to all ÌÇÐÄvlog-organized events. This includes ÌÇÐÄvlog-organized conferences, webinars, social events, meetings (such as committee or task force meetings), and any other gathering organized by ÌÇÐÄvlog, whether in person or virtual. The policy covers all individuals involved in such events: attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, contractors, vendors, volunteers, officers, directors, staff, and guests.

II. Definition of Professional Conduct

An environment of professional respect promotes free academic interchange and enhances discourse. Respectful discussion of ideas is welcome and protected under the Conduct Policy, and relies on a shared commitment to cultivating such a community. Examples of expectations for professional conduct include:

• Respect for and inclusion of differing perspectives.
• Constructive dialogue that critiques ideas rather than individuals, handles disagreement respectfully, acknowledges differing views, and avoids personal attacks.
• Observe meeting procedures, arrive on time, and respect time limits.
• Accountability for one’s actions and responsiveness to other perspectives using empathy, inquiry, and evidence.
• Proactively safeguarding the shared community by diplomatically intervening in cases of potential harassment, or in cases of potential physical harm by alerting event staff or security.

III. Unacceptable Behaviors

The Conduct Policy is intended to prevent behaviors that violate the expectations of professional conduct defined above. This includes

• Harassment of any form, such as inappropriate, intimidating, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions; unwelcome jokes or comments; unwanted touching or attention.
• Prejudicial actions or comments related, but not limited to, actual or perceived sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion, or political affiliation.
• Actions that coerce others, foment broad hostility, or undermine professional equity or the principles of free academic exchange, including using one’s professional standing or influence to intimidate or coerce others.
• Sustained disruption of sessions or events, including shouting down speakers or hijacking online forums.
• Physical or verbal abuse; threats of violence, whether real or implied; and threats of professional harm, including sharing of personal details without permission or consent.
• Retaliation against anyone who reports or assists with a complaint.
• Knowingly false or malicious complaints.

IV.  Sensitive or Potentially Offensive Content

ÌÇÐÄvlog recognizes that architectural discourse routinely includes representations of the human form and documentation of difficult subjects. When presenting material that could be considered sensitive across different cultural, religious, or personal contexts—such as depictions of religious imagery, death and mortality, political symbols, cultural practices, sexual violence, abuse, or trauma—presenters are encouraged to provide brief context at the session’s start. This courtesy allows participants to make informed choices while preserving academic freedom.

V.  Photography and Recording

Participants should be aware that photography and recording may occur at ÌÇÐÄvlog events. While recording laws vary by state, using recordings to harass, intimidate, or harm others violates the Conduct Policy. This includes posting recordings with the intent to mock or demean. Event organizers will post a notice if specific sessions prohibit recording.

VI.  Reporting

6.1  Procedures

Participants who experience or witness conduct that violates this policy may use these available procedures.

• Immediate Action: Contact the session chair, moderator, ÌÇÐÄvlog staff member, or ÌÇÐÄvlog Board of Directors member. Moderators and designated non-staff event organizers or leaders will receive guidance about appropriate actions.
• Confidential Reporting: Use the confidential online reporting form provided for all conferences.
• Emergency Situations: If there is an immediate threat of violence or criminal activity, contact 911 or alert event staff or security, who may take additional steps to protect participants’ safety.

6.2  Reporting Obligations

• ÌÇÐÄvlog is obligated to and will refer any incidents that may be in violation of law to the appropriate authorities.
• ÌÇÐÄvlog will protect the privacy of reporters to the extent legally possible and will not tolerate retaliation.

VII.  Policy Enforcement Actions

ÌÇÐÄvlog reserves the right to enforce the Conduct Policy in any manner deemed appropriate. All reports of unacceptable behavior will also be reported to the ÌÇÐÄvlog

Executive Committee, whose further involvement will depend on the nature and severity of the reported behavior.

7.1  Immediate Response

Moderators and designated event organizers or leaders may take prompt action during an event or conference session—such as asking a participant to stop a behavior, muting a microphone, or closing a chat—to address disruptive or harassing conduct.

Individuals taking such actions are expected to notify ÌÇÐÄvlog staff or Executive Committee members, if none are present at the time of the response. These actions are designed to preserve the event’s integrity. Individuals expelled from an event will not be eligible for a refund of any registration fees or related expenses.

7.2  Review Process

Confidential reports or others requiring investigation or follow up will be referred first to the ÌÇÐÄvlog Executive Director, who will consult with appropriate staff, collect additional information as needed, and work with the ÌÇÐÄvlog President on additional steps to respond to the report. The Executive Director will acknowledge receipt of the report to the individual(s) who filed it.

ÌÇÐÄvlog will investigate reports promptly and thoroughly, and involve the Executive Committee or, if deemed necessary, the full Board of Directors or an external committee, depending on the circumstance.

Upon completion of the investigation, ÌÇÐÄvlog will take appropriate corrective measures against any person who has engaged in conduct in violation of this policy, if ÌÇÐÄvlog determines such measures are necessary. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, bans on participation at future meetings and reporting the conduct to the individual’s institution or affiliated organization.

A specific timeline for any investigation or corrective action cannot be predicted in advance, as it will depend upon the nature of the allegations and the investigation process. Every effort will be made to act upon any report of alleged violations in a prompt and timely manner.

VIII.  Review of the Policy

The Board of Directors will review this policy at least once every three years and may update it more frequently in response to changes in law or best practices.