THE UCT ASTRONOMY CODE OF CONDUCT

UCT Astronomy is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, political opinion or religion. We do not tolerate harassment, in any form, of our staff, postdocs, students or visitors.

All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery should not be used at any time. This applies to presentations and posters at conferences and in meetings, but also to general conduct. 

Be kind and respectful to others. Do not insult or put down others. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate.

Staff or students who experience or witness violations of this code may report it to one or more of the following people: the Head of Department, the NASSP director, any member of the UCT Astronomy staff and/or the UCT Office for Inclusivity and Change. Violations of this code could lead to possible disciplinary actions. In those cases the UCT Office for Inclusivity and Change will hear both parties involved on the shortest possible notice. Based on the outcome, further actions may be taken.

This code of conduct has been adapted from the Dwingeloo code of conduct, and is based on one originally designed for an astronomy conference in London, adapted by Andrew Pontzen and Hiranya Peiris from a document by Software Carpentry, which itself derives from original Creative Commons documents by PyCon and Geek Feminism.

Attachments:

UCT Statement of Values (Council approved - December 2016)

UCT General Rules and Policies 2018 (Handbook 3)

IAU Anti-harassment Guidelines