Symposium Code of Conduct

Expectations

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is committed to cultivating a courageous and respectful community in which participants of all backgrounds feel supported and welcomed. At our events, we encourage collaboration and dialogue in pursuit of excellence, understanding, and connection. We aspire to foster an inclusive environment that supports participants’ choice to engage and experience our events free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. 

We ask participants to respect each person’s dignity as a member or guest of the OIST community. Although English is the common language, we invite native English speakers to be considerate of non-native English speakers, and vice versa, so that no language-related barrier restricts participants from participating in discussions or asking questions. The expectations and guidelines in this code of conduct are intended to establish community agreements for participant engagement at events at OIST both in-person and online.

Community Agreement

By participating in an event at OIST, I agree to treat others with respect, courtesy, and dignity. I understand I am entering a diverse environment inclusive of people from all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, socioeconomic class, age, religion, culture, marital status, education level, political beliefs, and so on. I agree to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility and participate in a manner that does not cause or bring about harm to other participants. I agree to comply with requests to cease actions or behaviors that are not aligned with OIST’s respectful workplace standards, expectations, or policies.

Examples of harassment include but are not limited to:

Verbal

Physical

Visual

Slurs, derogatory statements, hate speech, inappropriate comments about the above characteristics, microaggressions, unwelcome advances, direct or implied unwelcome sexual language

Unwelcome, non-consensual physical touch; inappropriate contact; assault

Displaying, wearing, showing, or sending images in any form or medium that are inappropriate, suggestive, lewd, obscene, or intended to inflict harm or offense 

Grievance Procedure and Supports

If you experience or observe behaviors that violate the code of conduct, OIST core values or policies, we encourage you to notify: kathy.takayama@oist.jp.

All complaints will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that it does not compromise the rights of others. Retaliation for reporting harassment is also a violation of this policy, as is reporting an incident in bad faith.

What We Will Do

  • Once we have received a harassment complaint, we will promptly:
  • Meet privately and separately with those involved to discuss the situation
  • Report findings to the event organizer who will determine next steps
  • Consult with the complainant before taking any action
  • Seek legal counsel, if appropriate

We thank our participants for your help in keeping our events welcoming, respectful, and friendly to all.

Policies

OIST Respectful Workplace Policy 

Anti-Harassment and Anti-Bullying Policy 

Resolving Complaints and Disputes 

Investigation and Determination of Misconduct & Whistleblower Protection Policy