Code of Conduct
paleoCAMP is strongly committed to upholding principles of belonging, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (BEAJEDI).
We recognize that diversity increases creativity and innovation, strengthens our science, improves the educational experience for students, and makes our field stronger. We aspire to create a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive space, in which all participants are treated with mutual respect and can participate in all aspects of paleoCAMP in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, bullying, or microaggressions. We recognize that our ability to carry out our scientific and educational mission rests on our ability to realize these values.
Expected Behavior
Treat each other with respect and consideration. This expectation applies to students, faculty, and staff at all times, whether interacting in person, online, or via text messages or e-mail.
Actively and constructively engage with the learning activities.
Speak up and/or alert appropriate personnel if you witness unacceptable behavior, a dangerous situation, or someone in distress. Be aware of the potential impact of implicit bias when assessing such situations.
Unacceptable Behavior
The following list describes behavior that is unacceptable. It is not intended to be exhaustive but rather a sampling of specific examples intended to guide our community.
Physical, psychological, or verbal abuse or bullying of anyone.
Disparaging behavior, harassment, or discrimination related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental disability, physical appearance, age, socio-economic status, veteran status, race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital/domestic partnership status, or other protected characteristics.
Unwelcome physical contact or lewd remarks.
Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images or discussion of private sexual experiences that would be deemed offensive to a reasonable person.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or other behavior-altering substances
In addition, paleoCAMP participants should familiarize themselves with the UC Natural Reserve System code of conduct. This document outlines the standards of professional conduct expected of all visitors to the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory.
Grievance Policy
PaleoCAMP is committed to a constructive, inclusive, and safe learning environment for all participants.
Our high instructor to student ratio and frequent in-classroom check-ins are intentionally designed to make sure that our learning approach is working well for all participants in the course and to respond dynamically to create and maintain the best environment. However, we recognize that conflicts may still emerge, and we are committed to ensuring a fair procedure to resolve such conflicts, especially in cases where they violate our Code of Conduct. The tiered grievance procedures are intended for situations or incidents that can potentially be addressed by early intervention, conflict resolution, mediation, or the services of professional Ombuds personnel. For those situations that fall under Title IX (discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence), the instructors are obligate reporters and those incidents would therefore be reported to the appropriate university Title IX office. In addition, the University of California Irvine and University of California Santa Barbara CARE offices (UCI, UCSB) offer free and confidential support for anyone who has been impacted by sexual assault, relationship abuse, family violence and/or stalking.
Our policy for resolving grievances involves the following tiers:
If you feel comfortable, arrange a one-on-one meeting with the student or instructor in question in order to discuss your concerns.
If you do not feel comfortable with Tier 1, or if it does not resolve the problem, for Tier 2 we have designated four instructors who can mediate difficult conversations, attempt to facilitate a resolution of any issues, and/or provide you with additional resources as the situation requires. Feel free to reach out to them via email or in person at paleoCAMP or afterwards:
Tripti Bhattacharya
Dan Ibarra
Kathleen Johnson
Jerry McManus
Please note that as university faculty, most of us are obligate Title IX reporters. This means we are required to report any incidents related to sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination to our university Title IX offices, where they will be investigated. We are happy to discuss any and all issues even if they do not rise to the level of Title IX violations.
Finally, if none of these options feel appropriate or if they fail to resolve the issue, we urge you to seek the confidential support of the University ombudsperson at the University of Arizona or the University of California as Tier 3. Ombuds offices are an alternate channel for confidential, neutral, and informal dispute resolution services. They provide a safe place to talk about concerns, explore options, and make informed decisions. Ombuds offices have trained personnel who specialize in conflict management and resolution, dispute mediation, and resource referrals if further action is necessary.