SCIENCE FACULTY GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

In keeping with UCT policy, the Science Faculty is dedicated to providing an environment that is inclusive and free of discrimination, violence, bullying and harassment for everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, country of origin, physical appearance, age, mental or physical health, HIV-status, political opinion or religion. We do not tolerate discrimination, violence, bullying and harassment, in any form, towards our academic and PASS staff, postdocs, students or visitors.

All communication should be professional and appropriate. This applies to general conduct in the Faculty, but also presentations and posters at conferences and in meetings, in laboratories, and in the field. Sexist, racist, and other exclusionary imagery and language – including “jokes” – are not appropriate and will not be tolerated.

Violations of this code may be reported to staff within individual departments, and/or the Faculty, and/or the UCT Office for Inclusivity and Change, which could lead to possible disciplinary actions. In those cases the UCT Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC) will hear both parties involved on the shortest possible notice. Based on the outcome, further actions may be taken.

UCT’s Office of Inclusivity and Change (OIC) online reporting tool to report incidents of rape, sexual assault and/or discrimination, can be found here:

https://casereporting.uct.ac.za/ReportingPage/

UCT Transformation plans and policies, including a statement of values, plans and policies around employment equity, anti-discrimination and inclusivity, can be found here:

https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/transformation/plans-policies

The Science Faculty is mindful of the wide range of cultural backgrounds and expectations held by our academic and PASS staff, postdocs, students and visitors.  Anyone who is uncertain about what is deemed appropriate behaviour should visit the above website and the resources and links therein.