AWIS Community Expectations

Please review the AWIS Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct to understand behavior expectations, consequences, and the complaint review process.

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AWIS Code of Ethics

Our Code of Ethics outlines the values, principles, and aspirations that members of the AWIS community agree to uphold such as:

  • Demonstrate behavior consistent with AWIS values
  • Treat everyone equally and civilly
  • Ensure all voices are included and foster belonging
  • Actively reject harassment and discrimination 
  • Speak up for anyone being mistreated
  • Adhere to the highest ethical standards 
  • Adhere to all applicable laws
  • Promote optimal work/life integration for caregivers
  • Properly acknowledge scientific contributions
  • Support the AWIS mission and women in STEM
Read the full Code of Ethics
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AWIS Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct details expected member behavior and the potential consequences for violations such as:

  • public or private reprimand
  • suspension or revocation of AWIS membership
  • removal from a committee or leadership position
  • denial or revocation of an honor or award
  • prohibition from attending AWIS events
  • other sanctions commensurate with the infraction

Scroll down for a visual summary or review the full Code of Conduct for complete details on how to submit a complaint, the review process, and the appeal process.

Read the full Code of Conduct

Dos and Don'ts

  • Demonstrate honesty, respect and consideration for all people.
  • Ensure all voices are invited to speak and participate. Listen well. Critique ideas (not people).
  • Consider the effect of your position, experience, and other factors of privilege to avoid dominating conversations.
  • Consider differences in individual readiness without stereotyping or bias.
  • Provide a safe, supportive work environment.
  • Fairly acknowledge all those who make contributions to research or projects.
  • Report conduct concerns so they can be addressed responsibly and timely.
  • Respect confidentiality of individuals involved in a conduct concern.
  • Support anyone who raises a conduct concern.
  • Report anyone who retaliates against those who raise a conduct concern.
  • Offer your expertise to help others advance. Sponsor, mentor, nominate, or recommend others for awards and opportunities.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of, respect for, and compliance with applicable laws.
  • Provide parental leave, lactation rooms, and support for new parents.
  • Provide flexible schedules to support caregivers and/or employees with period pain or menopausal symptoms.
  • Do not discriminate based on gender, characteristics, or identity.
  • Do not make assumptions based on gender, characteristics, or identity.
  • Do not dominate conversations, talk over, or interrupt others.
  • Do not intentionally misgender people or commit microaggressions.
  • Do not make comments that are sexist, racist, ableist, ageist, homophobic, or hateful – even in jest.
  • Do not bully, ridicule, demean, disparage, or intimidate anyone.
  • Do not threaten violence or harm.
  • Do not engage in violence, harassment, sabotage, or unwanted aggressive behavior.
  • Do not make bad faith accusations.
  • Do not retaliate against anyone for reporting a conduct concern or assisting in its resolution.
  • Do not invade the personal privacy of others.
  • Do not view, capture, or distribute photographs or recordings of individuals without their knowledge or permission.  
  • Do not act unprofessionally.
  • Do not plagiarize, fabricate data, or otherwise act dishonestly.
  • Do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
  • Do not take credit for others’ ideas or claim work that is not your own.
  • Do not solicit AWIS members for personal business gain or otherwise engage in conflicts of interes

How to Submit a Complaint

Any person affiliated with AWIS or attending an AWIS event may share a conduct concern by emailing the AWIS Conduct Committee.

Please include:

  • the name(s) of the person against whom the complaint is being filed
  • a description and/or documentation of the violation(s) of the AWIS Code of Conduct
  • names and contact information for any witnesses
  • suggested or desired resolution
AWIS code of conduct flowchart

AWIS aims to provide members with a safe, supportive, respectful, ethical, and inclusive community. We will periodically review these policies to ensure they meet the needs of the association and our members.