Annual Conference Code of Conduct Policy

The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just environment at its Annual Conference, in alignment with its mission to promote excellence and equity in social work doctoral education and its vision of inclusive, equitable, and just social work doctoral education. All attendees, speakers, moderators, exhibitors, sponsors, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. GADE will enforce this policy throughout the conference.

Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to:

  1. Ensure a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants.
  2. Clarify expected professional behavior during the conference.
  3. Provide a mechanism to respond to complaints or concerns.
  4. Support GADE’s broader goals of equity, inclusion, and professional stewardship.

Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to all in-person and virtual components of the GADE Annual Conference (e.g., sessions, lectures, meals, workshops, social events, online discussion forums, networking events). It also covers conduct relating to the conference before, during, and after the event, insofar as it affects the community.

Expected Conduct
All participants are expected to:
  1. Treat others with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.
  2. Listen with openness, curiosity, and humility.
  3. Engage in constructive discourse, even in disagreement, avoiding personal attacks.
  4. Be mindful of one’s language, tone, and interactions, especially concerning issues of identity, power, and equity.
  5. Respect others’ boundaries, including their physical and emotional space.
  6. Comply with policies or guidelines of the conference venue, virtual platform, or GADE.
  7. Cooperate with GADE staff or representatives in addressing issues of concern.

Unacceptable Conduct
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
  1. Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form (verbal, nonverbal, physical, visual) based on identity or protected status.
  2. Threats of violence, physical assault, or otherwise endangering another’s safety.
  3. Nonconsensual or unwelcome sexual attention or advances.
  4. Stalking or persistent unwanted communication.
  5. Disruptive behavior that interferes with conference programming or others’ participation.
  6. Inappropriate photography, recording, or distribution of content without consent.
  7. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in an investigation.
  8. Misuse of confidential information encountered in the course of the conference.

Reporting Concerns
  1. How to Report
    If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to report it promptly to GADE staff or to a member of the Board. Any reports received by staff or the Board will be promptly relayed to the GADE President or Executive Director.

    Reports may be submitted in person, by email, by phone call , or via an online reporting mechanism (if provided). Include as much relevant information as possible.
     
  2. Confidentiality and Fairness
    Reports will be handled with discretion. GADE will protect the confidentiality of all parties to the extent possible consistent with a fair resolution. Any person accused will be treated fairly, with an opportunity to respond.
     
  3. Response and Remedial Measures
    Depending on the nature and severity of a violation, GADE may take action such as:
    • Warning or reprimand.
    • Removal from a session, event, or conference.
    • Expulsion from the conference without refund.
    • Exclusion from future GADE events.
    • Notification to home institutions or relevant authorities.
    • Removal as institution’s member delegate per the Member Delegate Removal Policy.

Roles and Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for understanding and abiding by this Code of Conduct.
Speakers, moderators, and organizers should model inclusive and respectful behavior.
Conference staff and volunteers are empowered to address issues proactively.
The President will oversee enforcement.

Policy Review
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors to ensure it remains current, responsive, and aligned with evolving best practices in professional conference settings.

Approval
This policy was approved by the GADE Board of Directors on November 11, 2025.