Code of Conduct - Volunteers

This Code of Conduct is designed to provide all Ocademy volunteers with guidelines appropriate for professional behavior. Ocademy volunteers are expected to act lawfully, honestly, and ethically while performing volunteer services on behalf of Ocademy and affiliated universities and partners. Our culture is designed to empower students, including our volunteers, and cultivate a network of support & encouragement. The purpose of this Code is to be certain that you understand what conduct is expected of our volunteers. It is imperative that every Ocademy volunteer recognizes that it is their responsibility to protect the culture of Ocademy and affiliated universities, and that they respect other Ocademy volunteers, student participants, greater alumni, and staff each of their respective boundaries and identities. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the specific policies of this Code of Conduct. It is also your responsibility to report any known or suspected violations of this Code in accordance with the procedures described at the end of the Code. Any violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including the cessation of your volunteer position at Ocademy and removal from the Ocademy community. If a violation also constitutes a violation of the law, that violation may also result in criminal prosecution.

Statement Regarding Diversity and Value of Inclusivity

Ocademy is firmly committed to, and vigorously promotes diversity and inclusivity within its organization and affiliates. The Ocademy community, including its greater alumni, upholds this commitment, and believes that every single person has the right to learn, volunteer, and/or work in a safe and welcoming environment. In order to ensure a truly inclusive environment, we expect all volunteers treat other volunteers, student participants, staff, alumni, and partners with respect, and refrain from using oppressive language (e.g., sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, classist language or slurs). This includes, but is not limited to, respectful interaction with each other when communicating in private or group meetings, email, phone calls or messages or in other in-person or direct interactions.

Further, Ocademy has a zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or discrimination, and will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender or gender orientation, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Ocademy understands the many significant benefits that a diverse community provides. Ocademy also provides reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals to enable them to apply for and to perform their volunteer responsibilities. Please report any violations or suspected violations of this Code of Conduct to report@ocademyai.org or contact@ocademyai.org.

Harassment

Sexual harassment and other forms of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis are serious offenses and are conduct prohibited. Ocademy has never tolerated sexual or other forms of harassment and reaffirms our commitment to that position. Sexual harassment and other forms of harassment are forms of discrimination and are prohibited by law. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, social class, economic status, veteran status, sexual images, deliberate intimidation or threats, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, posting (or threatening to post) other people’s personally identifying information (“doxing”) or posting sexually explicit or violent material, discriminatory jokes or insults, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, and/or advocating for or encouraging any of the previously mentioned behavior.

If what you’re doing is making someone feel uncomfortable, that counts as harassment and is enough reason to stop doing it. Volunteers asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Our policy applies to the actions of all. Ocademy will not tolerate any harassment. Please report any violations or suspected violations of this Code of Conduct to report@ocademyai.org or contact@ocademyai.org.

Consequences of Violation of the Code

Our policy is to take prompt action to enforce this Code of Conduct and all of our other policies. Depending on the seriousness of the violation and the other relevant circumstances, violations of this Code may result in a formal or informal warning or reprimand, suspension, cessation of volunteer services, or other disciplinary action, including removal from the Ocademy community.

Certain violations of this Code of Conduct may require us to refer the matter to the appropriate governmental authorities for criminal prosecution. Moreover, any supervisor who directs or approves of any conduct in violation of this Code, or who has knowledge of such conduct and does not immediately report it, also will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include cessation of volunteer services and/or suspension of/from alumni channels and removal from the Ocademy Community.

Reporting Procedures

If you become aware of any violation or suspected violation of this Code, or are asked to depart from this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to contact@ocademyai.org. All complaints will be investigated and prompt corrective action will be taken, as appropriate. Interim measures may be taken, as appropriate, when a complaint is made. We will not discipline, discriminate against or retaliate against, or tolerate any discrimination or retaliation by any other person against, any person who in good faith reports a violation or suspected violation of this Code.

Dissemination and Amendment

This Code will be distributed periodically to each person subject to it. To ensure the continued dissemination and communication of this Code, our HR Department will take, or cause to be taken, reasonable steps to communicate effectively the standards and procedures included in this Code to all volunteers subject to it.

This Code of Conduct is subject to change by Ocademy at any time in its discretion, and may be amended, supplemented, or superseded by one or more separate policies. This document does not create an employment relationship between Ocademy and any volunteer, and does not alter the volunteer nature of your services for Ocademy.