Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is a statement of our shared and mutual commitment to upholding ethical, professional and legal standards in conducting our lives and making decisions within the University community. The University values integrity, honesty, fairness, diversity, respect for others, and equality of opportunity; it strives to assure that no activity of the University undermines fundamental principles of human dignity.
OIST does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. The OIST Code of Conduct further emphasizes the core principles of equality for all individuals regardless of their gender, gender identity, or gender expression.
As members of the University community, all faculty, staff, students, University officers, members of the Board of Governors, and all University visitors, affiliates, and volunteers are responsible for maintaining and demonstrating these values and for observing the ethical standards of both the University and the broader community in which it operates. The values contained in this Code of Conduct must be integral elements of the University’s educational, research and business practices. Each of us also must be cognizant of, and comply with, the relevant external policies, standards, laws and regulations that pertain to our activities.

Everyone at OIST should feel valued, respected, and be afforded development opportunities to realize their full potential. OIST supports the promotion and implementation of genuine equality for all. The Code of Conduct applies to all who work or study here and contain the following five principles:

1. OIST is committed to providing an environment of equal opportunity to all in the pursuit of their academic and professional goals.
2. The interests of all gender identities and expressions should be optimally served at all levels and in all functions.
3. The dignity, integrity, self-identification, and expression of all must be respected. Sexual harassment, sexist behavior and sexist language are violations of human dignity.
4. Written and spoken language should express equal treatment of all gender identities and expressions while maintaining precision.
5. OIST supports flexible work practices and employment arrangements that enable faculty, staff and students to combine work or studies with their unique family commitments and seeks to accommodate a range of needs in a diverse workforce.

Harassment in any form is specifically prohibited.
What is Harassment? Harassment involves continued antisocial or unreasonable actions that violate a reasonable person’s personal rights and/or dignity and cause mental suffering, and thus worsen the person’s environment or cause anxiety about participation. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so we ask that you use discretion to be sure that respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner nevertheless constitutes unacceptable behavior. Speech that is not welcomed or that is personally offensive, whether it is based on gender, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, ethnicity, national origin, religion etc. will not be tolerated.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please bring this to the immediate attention of the Visiting Programs section or workshop organizers. Please report incidents by email or through this webform.
All complaints will be taken seriously and responded to promptly by the Dean of Research. 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 the Code of Conduct, as is reporting an incident in bad faith.

OIST may remove all privileges and ask a visitor to leave the campus, if there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of harassment, a breach of the OIST Code of Conduct, OIST rules and regulations, and/or laws of Japan by a visitor. Visitors may also be asked to comply with regulations, isolate, or leave the campus to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.