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Code of Conduct

The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is committed to ensuring that all members of our community are aware of and adhere to University of Toronto policies. This includes making its science, training and public outreach activities productive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality, religion, or any of the prohibited grounds as set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code.3 In so doing, the Dunlap Institute aspires to be an equitable and inclusive environment free of discrimination and harassment, where all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.4,5,6,7

The Dunlap Institute expects all scientists, students and staff who are members, associates or visitors in all their professional conduct to encourage behaviour, language and attitudes which will create a favourable environment, free of discriminatory actions, stereotyping and harassment.4,5,6 We expect the same of participants and instructors in Dunlap Institute training programs, workshops, conferences and all other events or activities sponsored or organized by the Dunlap.

All members of our community are expected to follow these guidelines:

  1. Behave in a professional manner as outlined in the University’s Guideline on Civil Conduct.4 This includes:
  • Treating others with dignity, courtesy, respect, politeness and consideration.
  • Being respectful of others’ right to express their views, even if you disagree.1
  • Managing conflict with others in a respectful way rather than in a confrontational way.
  • Making decisions concerning the use of alcohol that are responsible, legal and in compliance with any obligations arising from the individual’s relationship with the University.9

The Dunlap will not condone unprofessional behaviour that violates any of the University’s Policies, such as:

  • Profanity, abuse, shouting, aggression, violent language, or inappropriate physical contact directed at an individual or individuals.4,6
  • Humiliating, degrading, demeaning, belittling, insulting, frightening, harassing or intimidating another person.4,5
  • Making sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes.5,6,7
  • Using sexual or sexist language or imagery.5,6
  • Use of alcohol that is irresponsible, illegal, or breaches other obligations that the individual has to the University.9
  1. All communication, whether it be in person or electronically, should be kept appropriate and respectful for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds and identities.4,5,6,7,8
  1. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down peers, colleagues or attendees.4

The Dunlap Institute wishes to maintain a collegial environment in which all members of our community behave in a respectful and courteous manner as prescribed by the University’s Policies. All individuals are expected to respect the values outlined in this Statement regardless of the influence presented by alcohol and/or drug use. Those engaging in inappropriate behaviour may be asked to leave events by relevant event organizers (without refund of any registration or admission fee). Additional measures (e.g. discipline, termination of contractual relationship) may be taken, depending upon the individual’s relationship with the University.

Individuals who are concerned that there has been a breach of any policy or guideline referred to in this Code of Conduct should raise their concern in accordance with the process set out in the applicable policy/guideline. Further, or in situations where there is no process set out in a policy/guideline, concerned individuals may contact the program/activity organizer, the Dunlap Institute Director, the appropriate HR Divisional Office, or an appropriate University of Toronto Equity Office:

University of Toronto Equity Offices:

In case of emergency, please contact Campus Police:

  • St. George: (416) 978‐2222
  • UTM: (905) 569‐4333
  • UTSc: (416) 287‐7333

This Code of Conduct was created by Jessica Campbell, Heidi White, and Ariel Amaral, in collaboration with the Dunlap Diversity Committee, for use by the Dunlap Institute. It was developed with the assistance of Carol Robb, Assistant Dean and Director of Human Resources in the Faculty of Arts & Science. This Code of Conduct may be adopted by other academic units within the University of Toronto, provided that it is reproduced in full (including this license), and that the only changes made are to the name of the relevant unit. By adopting this Code of Conduct, each academic unit assumes responsibility for maintaining its included university URLs and phone numbers.

The development of this Code of Conduct was inspired by the London Code of Conduct (website).

1 Statement on Freedom of Speech (PDF 227KB)

2 Policy on Ethical Conduct on Research (PDF 221KB)

3 Ontario Human Rights Code website

4 Human Resources Guideline on Workplace Harassment and Civil Conduct(PDF 131KB)

5 Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment (PDF 35KB)

6 Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (PDF 290KB)

7 Statement of Commitment Regarding Persons with Disabilities (PDF 265KB)

8 Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence (PDF 280KB)

9 Alcohol Policy (PDF 250KB)

Last updated 30 May 2018

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